Understanding Vape Puffs and Puff Testing

What Is a Puff?

In the vaping industry, a "puff" is generally defined as a one-second inhale. When a product advertises 6,000 puffs, it indicates the device can theoretically provide 6,000 one-second puffs. However, this standard doesn’t reflect typical user behaviour.

At Refilla, for our laboratory testing we follow the guidelines set out in the CORESTA Recommended Method No. 81 (CRM 81), which outlines standardised procedures for generating and collecting e-cigarette aerosols during analytical testing. This method ensures consistent and reliable results across various testing environments. The primary parameters defined in CRM 81 include:

• Puff Duration: Each puff should last 3 seconds (±0.1 s).
• Puff Volume: Each puff should have a volume of 55 mL (±0.3 mL).
• Puff Frequency: Puffs should be taken every 30 seconds (±0.5 s), equating to 2 puffs per minute.
• Puff Profile: The puff should have a rectangular shape, with a maximum flow rate of 18.5 mL/s (±1 mL/s).

These parameters are measured at the e-cigarette aerosol collection machine's port, using a pressure drop device set at 1000 Pa (±50 Pa). 

By adhering to these standardized conditions, CRM 81 facilitates consistent and comparable results in e-cigarette aerosol testing across various laboratories and studies.

Delivering Consistent Vapor Output

Refilla aims to achieve a consistent vapor output of 6–7 mg per puff, which we consider the ideal range. While many devices initially exceed this target, their performance often declines quickly during use.

Refilla’s devices are engineered to maintain this optimal output consistently, even over the course of 10,000 puffs of one second, or 3,333 three-second laboratory puffs, with minimal loss in quality.

Challenges with Disposable Devices

Disposable devices frequently overpromise and underdeliver. For instance, while"Big Puff" products claim 6,000 puffs, real-world performance often falls short of 600 puffs. Additionally, vapour quality in disposable devices tends to degrade significantly—starting at 10 mg per puff but dropping as low as 4 mg toward the end.

A common issue is the burnt taste that arises when the liquid runs out before the battery, leaving the wick or coil exposed. This not only ruins the flavor but also damages the device permanently.

How Refilla Stands Out

Refilla addresses these issues with thoughtful engineering and innovation:

• Consistent Output: Vapour production remains steady from the first puff to the 10,000th, with no significant drop-off.
• No Burning: Devices are designed to stop functioning automatically to prevent the wick or coil from burning.
• Optimized Lifespan: Both liquid and battery life are carefully synchronized to ensure the device performs as promised.

By solving these common problems, Refilla provides a vaping experience that is reliable, consistent, and free from the frustrations typical of disposable devices.

Refilla’s commitment to quality and user satisfaction makes it a standout in the vaping industry, offering a solution that truly lives up to its claims.