Most mesh coils last one to three weeks depending on how often you vape, what wattage you use, and which e-liquid you run through them. Sweet, dessert-profile juices are the biggest factor in shortening coil life. A clean fruit or menthol juice on a sensible wattage will almost always outlast a high-sweetener custard by several days. See our full coil lifespan guide for more detail.

It depends on your coil’s resistance. MTL mesh coils (0.6ohm and above) work best with 50/50 e-liquid or nic salts. Sub-ohm mesh coils (below 0.5ohm) need a thicker, high VG liquid, typically 70/30 or higher, to wick properly at the power levels they run at. Using a thin 50/50 juice in a sub-ohm coil will cause it to flood. For a full explanation of VG and PG ratios, read our e-liquid ingredients guide.

Add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the visible cotton ports, fill your tank, and wait five to ten minutes before vaping. When you do start, use the lower end of the recommended wattage range and take a few gentle puffs to ease the coil in. Skipping this step is the most common reason new coils taste burnt immediately. Full instructions are in our coil priming guide.

MTL (mouth-to-lung) mesh coils are higher resistance, usually 0.6ohm and above. They produce a tighter draw with lower vapour volume, similar to the feel of a cigarette. Sub-ohm mesh coils sit below 0.5ohm, run at higher wattages, and produce much more vapour with a warmer, airier draw. The right choice depends on how you vape and what nicotine strength you use. Our MTL vs DL guide covers this in full.

Usually one of three things: the coil wasn’t primed before first use, you’ve been chain vaping without giving the wick time to re-saturate, or you’re running above the recommended wattage. A high-sweetener e-liquid can also cause a gunky, slightly burnt flavour as residue builds up on the mesh, even when the coil isn’t technically dead yet. Read our guide on why your vape tastes burnt for a full diagnosis.

For most vapers, yes. The larger surface area heats more evenly, delivers better flavour, and reduces dry hits and hot spots compared to a single wire coil. The main trade-off is that mesh coils can use slightly more e-liquid than a basic wire coil, but the improvement in flavour and consistency more than makes up for it. See the full comparison in our mesh vs regular coils guide.

Yes, but only with a coil rated for MTL vaping (0.6ohm and above). Nic salts up to 20mg/ml work well in tight-draw, lower-power setups. Using nic salts in a high-power sub-ohm mesh coil isn’t recommended as the nicotine delivery at those wattages is far too harsh.

Sub-ohm mesh coils do use more e-liquid than MTL setups because they run at higher wattages and produce more vapour. MTL mesh coils are fairly efficient and comparable to standard wire coils at similar resistances. If you’re watching your e-liquid use, an MTL mesh coil is the more economical option.

The most common signs are a noticeably weaker or muted flavour, a burnt or slightly stale taste that doesn’t clear with a fresh fill, and reduced vapour production. Some coils will also start to leak as the cotton degrades. If you’re getting dry hits despite a full tank, that’s usually a sign the wick has worn out. Our how to avoid dry hits guide covers this in more detail.

Check the wattage range printed on the coil packaging or the coil itself. Most manufacturers print a recommended range, such as 25-40W, directly on the coil head. Start at the lower end of that range and adjust upward to taste. Running above the maximum recommended wattage shortens coil life significantly and increases the risk of burning the cotton.

Coil compatibility is specific to each tank and brand. The most flexible range we stock is VooPoo’s PnP series, which fits across the Drag, Vinci, and Find series. Vaporesso’s GTX coils also cover multiple tanks within their lineup. If you’re unsure, browse by brand above or check our beginners guide to vape coils for guidance on matching coils to devices.