Inhale Activated – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
Inhale Activated describes a draw-activated firing system found in modern IGET disposables and many pod kits. Instead of pressing a fire button, the device’s airflow sensor detects when you take a puff and instantly powers the integrated battery to heat the coil. The purpose is to replicate the intuitive feel of smoking a cigarette—just draw and vape—making it the most beginner-friendly inhale style on the Australian market.
Technical Details
Inside an inhale-activated device, a miniature pressure-sensitive MEMS switch or capacitive airflow sensor is mounted next to the insulator sealing the coil. When suction exceeds ≈ –3 to –7 Pa (pascals), the sensor closes the circuit, delivering 3.2–4.2 V from the internal battery to the coil for as long as you draw. Response time is typically 50–150 ms. Variations include:
- Auto-draw only: no buttons (common in 400–600 puff disposables).
- Dual activation: button + auto-draw for redundancy.
- Adjustable airflow switch: alters sensor sensitivity to tighten or loosen draw.
Usage & Tips
- Best practice: take slow, steady puffs (2–3 s) to prevent sensor flooding.
- Clogged sensor? Cover the mouthpiece and blow gently through the charge port to clear e-liquid; wipe contacts with a dry tissue.
- Travelling: store upright in a pod sleeve—pressure changes can trick the sensor into auto-firing.
- Safety: if the device continues firing after you stop inhaling, immediately isolate it in a non-flammable container and dispose of at your local Australian battery recycling centre.
History & Context
Auto-draw technology debuted in 2008 cig-a-likes, but unreliable pressure switches gave it a poor reputation. The 2018 nicotine-salt boom and IGET’s launch of high-capacity disposables with MEMS sensors resurrected inhale activation; today it dominates 70 % of the Aussie convenience-store vape segment thanks to its cigarette-like simplicity and TPD-friendly button-free designs.