Top Tips to Avoid Vape Detectors

Vapes are only getting more popular, so it’s no surprise that establishments are getting wise to them. Now, vapers can’t just worry about traditional smoke detectors. They also have to worry about vape detectors. These small, unobtrusive devices can spot your vapor within a few seconds, even if you only take a few puffs!

‘How to get around vape detectors?’ is one of the most popular questions that we get. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

What Are Vape Detectors?

The average vape detector is a lot like a smoke detector, but of course, it’s designed to spot vapor. There are two main differences.

1. Unlike smoker detectors, vape sensors don’t make any noise.
2. Remember, a vape detector is specifically designed to detect vapor from e-cigarettes, so it won’t detect cigarette smoke.

In essence, a vape detector registers nicotine and/or THC. Once a vape detector has recognized one of these substances, it will send a notification to the manufacturer. The manufacturer will then inform the relevant people. This could be the landlord at a pub, the security guards at a hospital, or your boss at your job.

Vape detection devices don’t have cameras or audio receptors. They can only sense vape smoke. So, if you’re in a crowded room, you may not be caught vaping. After all, it could be anyone in the room.

How Do Vape Detectors Work

Before you attempt to evade a vape detection device, you need to understand how they work and where they might be.

Vape Detector Detection Principles

Most detectors are separated into two categories: those that sense smoke particles, and those that sense changes in air quality or particulate levels.

• Smoke detectors – Smoke detectors tend to sense particles. Manufacturers use laser beams and lights to identify particles inside the sensor.
• Vape detectors – Vape detectors tend to sense changes in air quality or particulate levels. Manufacturers use laser beams and light to identify particles on a much smaller level.

Common Vape Detector Locations

Vape detectors could be hiding in every corner, and they probably are! School officials, bosses, and even concerned local groups are hyper-aware of people taking sneaky puffs on their cigarettes and vaping devices.

Here are a few of the most common places where you will find vape detectors.

• Office blocks
• Locker rooms
• Convenience stores
• Middle schools
• School bathrooms
• Commercial buildings

In 2022, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 1 in 10 U.S. middle and high school students actively use e-cigarettes. Given that so many young people are using vape pens, a lot of vape detectors are popping up in high school hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms.

Types of Vape Detector

If you are concerned about vape detectors, you may be frustrated about all the conflicting information online. There’s a lot of confusion about the difference between smoke sensors and vape detectors. Even then, there are a few different types of each. Before you get tongue-tied, read our simple outline.

Smoke detectors

There are two types of smoke detectors, photoelectric and ionization detectors.

• Photoelectric smoke detectors – This type of detector is more responsive to smoldering fires. There is a light source and a sensing chamber inside the internal mechanism. The light is pointed into the chamber and away from the sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, it reflects light onto the sensor, which triggers the alarm.
• Ionization smoke detectors – This type of detector is more responsive to flaming fires. There are two electrically charged plates on either side of the internal mechanism. A small amount of radioactive substance is positioned between the two plates. This detector works by ionizing the air, which causes a current to flow. Cigarette smoke enters the inside of the detector and alters the flow, which sets off the alarm.

Vape Detectors

If you want to avoid vape detectors, you need to understand how air quality sensors and particulate matter sensors work.

• Air Quality Sensors – This type of sensor measures the infrared radiation of specific wavelengths in the air. There is an infrared radiation bulb inside the sensor, a light-water tube, and an infrared detector.
• Particulate Matter Sensors – This type of sensor uses the laser scattering principle. The laser measures the number of dust particles in the air. The principle states that the more particles there are, the higher the chance that there is vapor in the air.

The Ethical Dilemma of Avoiding Vape Detectors

Now that you know all about the types of vape detectors, you need to avoid triggering them. But what about the ethical considerations?

When vapers input ‘how to get around vape detectors’ into Google, they probably aren’t thinking about ethical concerns. The truth is that vape detection devices are there for a reason; because you’re not supposed to be using your vape pen!

Companies, schools, and organizations are spending thousands on detectors to keep you and your children safe. One study found that there are rising concerns regarding e-cigarette use inside and outside secondary schools. Even the smallest vape pen can set off a detector, which can cause schools to waste hundreds of pounds on staffing, lost hours, and (if the sprinklers are activated) damages!

Reducing Vape Visibility

Ultimately, you need to worry about vapor. If you produce little to no vapor, it’s very unlikely that a vape sensor will activate.

Lowering Vapor Production

There are two main ways that you can reduce the amount of vapor that your device produces. First, activate Stealth Mode. Not all devices have Stealth Mode, and if you have chosen a minimalist beginner’s device you are far less likely to have this option. If you do have Stealth Mode, you’ll be able to transform your vaping experience. Instead of producing massive puffs of vapor, your puffs will be barely visible.

Low power settings can also have a huge impact on the amount of vapor you produce. Decrease the wattage and voltage on your device to reduce your vapor production as much as possible.

High PG E-liquids

E-liquids are comprised of two main substances. Vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) form the base for all vape liquids. Both substances have different attributes.

If you want to evade vape sensors, you need to buy high-PG mixtures. PG is much thinner than VG, and it also produces far less smoke. You are less likely to trigger detectors with a high-PG liquid.

Discreet Vaping Techniques

Your device might not be the only thing that is setting off the sensors. Your vaping style has a big impact on your overall experience, and that includes vapor production.

Without further ado, let’s look at the best discreet vaping techniques.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping

When you start vaping, you can choose between two styles. Mouth-to-Lung vaping allows you to draw the vapor into your mouth, hold it for a few seconds, then inhale it into your lungs. A lot of beginner devices are compatible with MTL vaping, and they tend to prioritize throat hits over vapor production.

In contrast, Direct-to-Lung vapers take the vapor straight into your lungs. DTL vapers use sub-ohm coils and devices to get the biggest clouds possible.

So, if you want to avoid detection, you should adopt MTL vaping and buy compatible kits.

Ghost Inhale

A ghost inhale is one of the more popular vapor tricks. To perform this trick, you need to exhale a cloud in a sphere-like shape, and then inhale it again. Of course, the end result is less vapor in the air, which is brilliant for people who don’t want to trigger sensors.

It’s fair to assume that only advanced vapers can pull off this technique, but it’s worth a try.

Zero Vaping

As the name suggests, this type of vaping happens when someone vapes without exhaling any vapor. Well, there might be a bit of vapor, but it will be virtually invisible.

To do this, you need to practice. One of the easiest ways to zero vape is to take a small puff and inhale it all the way down to your lungs. Hold the vapor in your lungs for five or more seconds. By the time you exhale, there will be little to no vapor.

Devices for Stealth Vaping

Have you got a discreet device? If you keep setting off optical alarms, the chances are that you need to invest in a more discreet device.

Choosing a Discreet Vape Device

When we talk about discreet e-cigarettes, we are talking about the exterior and the interior.

Small Devices

To start with, you should choose a small vape pen. Small, compact devices have lower wattage than big sub-ohm devices. This means that they will produce less vapor, which is a big factor for people who want to avoid sensors.

Vape pens and pod vape systems are a good place to start. The great thing about these types of devices is that they are compatible with MTL vaping, which also produces more discrete amounts of vapor.

Minimalist Exterior

Vaping devices are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Recently, minimalist devices have become more popular. Typically, this means small, compact, featureless devices.

In essence, you need to choose a device that doesn’t contain any LED lights, protruding buttons, or unusual designs. Anything that is eye-catching is a bad idea.

Neutral Color and Design

Another consideration is color. If you want to blend into the background, bright colors aren’t the best option. We recommend buying a black device that has a matte exterior.

Advanced Stealth Vape Devices

Wait, there’s more! Advanced stealth devices are one of the more niche options, but they are very effective.

Disguised Vape pens

Vapers are an innovative bunch, so it should be no surprise that they have created vape pens that look just like everyday items.

Nowadays, e-cigarettes can be disguised in hoodies, backpacks, phone cases, pens, and even smartwatches. It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true! Thousands of vapers use these disguised objects to satisfy their nicotine cravings and avoid detection. By integrating vaping equipment with clothes, accessories, and more, vapers can get by without a hint of suspicion.

Specialized Stealth Vape Mods

Lots of people have a favorite day-to-day device and a smaller, less expensive device that they use when they are on the go. This reduces the chance of losing your favorite device, and it also makes vaping in public far easier.

Modern vape mods are quite small, and they often have features that support silent activation and minimal vapor production. They are the perfect option for your secondary vape device.

Proper Vaping Etiquette

We’ve told you everything that you need to know to avoid vape detection sensors, but how practical is this advice?

Respecting Non-Vapers

No matter what your aim is, you have to consider the other vapers around you. If you start vaping in prohibited areas you could upset a lot of people, and not just the people who run the establishment.

The general public is aware of the medical consensus around e-cigarettes, especially since more and more studies have come out stating that long-term use of electronic cigarettes can significantly impair the body’s blood vessels. Second-hand nicotine vapor can have a negative impact on human health and has even resulted in respiratory symptoms in young adults.

In short, you need to be mindful of the people around you and the spaces that you are in. It might not be the best idea to vape in a hospital or a school, as doing so could trigger an alarm and force hundreds of people to evacuate.

Vaping in Public Spaces

You are allowed to vape in public places, but of course, there are different regulations in different districts. Before you take a puff on your vape kit, look up the local laws. As discreet as your device might be, eagle-eyed officials will be able to spot you.

The easiest way to avoid prosecution is to find a designated vaping area. In restaurants, airports, and other public spaces, vaping areas will be designated with a sign. Remember, some smoking areas don’t permit vapes, so double-check before you draw on your device.

Wrapping Up

Now that we’ve taught you how to get around vape detectors, you can rest easy. You have all the tools at your disposal to evade even the best vape detectors. Disguised devices, minimalist exteriors, and MTL vaping can all make the world of difference, and you can even learn a few cool vapor tricks to woo your friends along the way.

To vape or not to vape, the choice is yours. But before you make your decision, consider the ethical and social implications of vaping in forbidden areas. And if you’re ever stuck on what to do, return to this article to refresh your memory.