Side Airflow – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Side airflow is a vapetank or rebuildable atomiser design where air enters through slots or holes cut into the outer wall of the coil chamber, travels horizontally across the cotton-wicked coil, and carries vapour up the chimney to your mouth. By directing air to hit the coil from the side rather than solely from below, side airflow balances flavour intensity, cloud density and heat dissipation. It is popular on sub-ohm clearomisers and starter kits because it resists leaking better than bottom airflow, yet still delivers the open draw DL vapers enjoy.

Technical Details

Typical side-airflow atomisers position 2–8 oval or honeycomb ports 1–2 mm above the deck. Air descends a 45–60° angled channel, strikes the outer wrap of the coil, then exits through the centre post. Port area ranges from 6 mm² (tight MTL) to 30 mm² (cloud DL). Manufacturers pair this design with wide 810 drip-tips and bubble glass to keep resistance low. Variations include:

• Fixed-slot: non-adjustable channels machined into the steel.
• Adjustable ring: rotating barrel exposes more or fewer holes.
• Honeycomb: multiple 1 mm micro-holes that smooth turbulence.
• Top-side hybrid: 70% side, 30% top slots for extra leak protection.

Because air does not pass under the deck, squonk mods can be squeezed hard without flooding.

Usage & Tips

Keep the airflow ring clean; e-liquid residue can glue it shut—rinse with warm water every steeping cycle. If vapour feels hot, close 25% of the slots instead of lowering wattage; this maintains flavour while cooling the coil. Watch for condensation inside the chimney: swab daily to prevent short circuit protection errors on regulated mods. When rebuilding, centre the coil so each side port is fully visible; misalignment mutes flavour and can cause whistling. Finally, high-VG juice works best—50/50 blends may spit if the cotton is over-saturated.

History & Context

Side airflow emerged around 2015 when vapers demanded bigger clouds without the leaks common to early bottom-coil clearomisers. The Aspire Cleito and Smok TFV8 popularised the layout, and today most sub-ohm tanks sold in Australia use some form of side airflow as a reliable everyday solution.