How long do you keep nicotine pouches in for?

Introduction: What is a nicotine pouch?

If you’re unsure how long to keep a nicotine pouch in your mouth, then this blog is for you. In this article we’re going to explain how long a nicotine pouch lasts for. We’ll go through the sizes and the strengths and give you an idea of how long to use your pouch before throwing it away.

So a quick rundown, at this point you probably already know what nicotine pouches are. Let’s recap in case you are unsure.

Nicotine pouches are little sachets that contain nicotine and flavourings soaked into an organic silica granule base. They are very easy to use. You can discreetly place the pouch under your top lip and it will slowly release a steady stream of nicotine to help you effectively combat cravings.

Nicotine pouches are completely tobacco free. That’s right, no harmful cancer causing chemicals, just nicotine and food grade flavourings and sweeteners similar to the ones found in chewing gum.

Unlike the 2 minutes it takes you to smoke a cigarette, some nicotine pouches can be used for up to an hour. We are going to explain all the factors that affect how long a pouch lasts and show you when a nicotine pouch is at its most effective.

Let’s dig in.

How long does a nicotine pouch last?

How long a nicotine pouch lasts is largely dependent on the size of the pouch.

Some of the larger or ‘normal’ sized pouches can be used for up to 1 hour. Larger pouches may last longer, but they are more visible under your lip. So you need to consider what is more important to you: secrecy or duration of use.

If you are out for a long walk in the countryside, then a large pouch may be perfect. You won’t have to switch out for 45 mintues to an hour and it won’t matter as much if the pouch is visible or not. If on the other hand you want something you can use unnoticed in the office, then try one of the smaller sized pouches that provide more discretion.

The most popular nicotine pouch format is the slim size. The long, tapered shape is prized because it strikes a good balance between subtlety and duration; the pouch is virtually invisible under your lip and it provides a good 30 - 45 minutes after which the flavour and nicotine hit will begin to dissipate.

Slim nicotine pouches are ideal for everyday use. They are also a good size for newcomers to start with as they feel more comfortable in the mouth.

The next size down are mini pouches. Mini’s are perfect for stealth use, if total privacy is a must, they're narrow and much flatter than slim or normal sizes, providing a covert, quick hit of nicotine for up to 20 minutes. They can still contain a higher dose of nicotine but it will be a short-lived burst when compared to the duration of the other sizes.

What strength nicotine pouch should I use?

You should be using a nicotine pouch for the entire duration of its lifespan, during and after which, your cravings should be fully satisfied. Starting low and working your way up is the safest and most efficient way to find your fit.

An example of this would be if you had a 10 a day smoking habit, you would start with a lower 3mg to 6mg nicotine pouch strength. This may end up being a suitable strength or you may find that you are going through nicotine pouches like a teenager through Wi-Fi data. That’s fine. Now you know you need to go up slightly in strength, you could try a 7mg to 12mg option.

Comfort is important. If you start too high, you may have a very unpleasant experience which could put you off nicotine pouches.

If you would like to learn more about how many nicotine pouches equal one pack of cigarettes, read our handy blog.

mg/g or mg per pouch?

At first glance, determining the strength of a nicotine pouch can be a bit confusing. Some brands measure the strength in milligrams per gram and others in milligrams per pouch. Some do both.

Here at Alternix we’ve taken the hard work out of it for you by categorising the strengths for you when you shop. However, if you’re buying elsewhere then we feel that mg per pouch is the most accurate reflection of how strong your experience will be. If you only see mg/g on the tub then you can divide that number in two to give you a rough idea of how strong each pouch will be.

How long do I keep a nicotine pouch in my mouth?

You can keep a nicotine pouch in your mouth for 5 to 45 minutes before throwing it away. The manufacturer will usually mention the time span of each pouch on the tub. Some larger pouch sizes can last for upwards of an hour, but it's entirely up to you how long you keep the nicotine pouch in your mouth.

Nicotine pouches do take longer to activate than a cigarette or a vape. So we recommend that you keep the pouch in your mouth for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes for the nicotine to effectively begin curbing your cravings.

You can also keep your nicotine pouch in for longer than the recommended time. Just be aware that the nicotine and flavouring intensity will begin to dwindle after the allotted time.

If you feel that after 10 minutes your cravings are satisfied and you’ve had enough, you don’t have to wait an extra 20 minutes. However, this isn’t very economical for you and if you find that this is frequently the case, you may want to try a lower strength so you get the most bang for your buck.

If you notice that your nicotine pouch becomes uncomfortable in whatever way you should remove it and consider changing strength or size. Bear in mind that it can take a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve found your fit with a good nicotine pouch, you’ll hardly notice it’s there at all. And neither will anyone else.

The table below shows how long it takes for a nicotine pouch to begin to activate and when it is at its most effective. This will give you an idea of how long to keep a nicotine pouch in your mouth.

Timeline of nicotine delivery for a slim nicotine pouch.

Why do nicotine pouches burn?

In order for nicotine pouches to absorb through the lining of your mouth, they have to have a higher pH (alkalinity) than your saliva. To achieve this, nicotine pouches contain pH adjusters that optimise nicotine absorption. An example of a pH adjuster found in nicotine pouches is sodium bicarbonate, a common food additive used in bread making and toothpaste.

When you first start using nicotine pouches, your mouth may not be used to the direct contact of nicotine and high pH which can lead to irritation of your mouth lining. You should become accustomed to this over time, however, if the irritation is prolonged and painful, it means that your nicotine strength is very high or you have a sensitivity to the pH ingredients or to the nicotine itself. In this case you should stop using nicotine pouches and consult your doctor about alternatives.

If you’ve got your nicotine strength right, the most you should feel is a tingling sensation, which can be a pleasant indication that your pouch is beginning to work. This sensation will subside within a few minutes.

Another cause of irritation can be the pouch itself. If your mouth is dry and the pouch is too large it can rub against your gums and cause abrasive irritation. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking water before and after each use and perhaps try a smaller nicotine pouch size.

Reasons nicotine pouches can burn

• High nicotine strength

• Sensitivity to pH adjusters

• Overuse

• Existing oral health issues

• Physical irritation

Tips to avoid nicotine pouches burning

• Start with a lower strength - Absorbing nicotine directly through the lining of your mouth is a new experience that can take a while to get used to. Starting your journey gradually with a lower strength pouch will allow your body to get used to the nicotine.

• Take regular breaks between use - Overuse can cause irritation, so its important to give yourself at least a 1 hour break between use.

• Switch it up - Alternatively, you can change the positioning of your pouch so that you don’t irritate one side of your mouth.

• Stay hydrated - Drinking water before and after each use will prevent a dry mouth which can be a cause of irritation.

• Try moist pouches - Some brands like Velo provide softer, moist pouches that activate faster and are less likely to cause abrasive irritation.

What are nicotine pouches made of?

Nicotine salts - Isolated from tobacco or synthesised, 100% tobacco free stimulant that curbs nicotine cravings.

Flavourings - Food grade flavourings that add taste to your experience, available in a variety of fruit, menthol and spicy options.

Fillers - Organic cellulose (plant fibre) used asa base to absorb and release nicotine and flavouring.

Sweeteners - Sugar free and zero calorie sugar substitutes similar to those found in chewing gum such as Xylitol, Sorbitol.

pH adjusters - Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are added to increase the alkalinity of the pouch which increases nicotine absorption.

Can I swallow my nicotine pouch?

You really should not swallow a nicotine pouch. Whilst nicotine pouches still contain less nicotine than a traditional cigarette or snus, you can still be at risk of nicotine poisoning if they are swallowed in large amounts. Nicotine pouches do not contain any tobacco so there is no carcinogenic risk, however they are not designed to be swallowed.

Nicotine pouches are designed for absorption through the mouth and are less bioavailable in the stomach. If you feel slightly unwell or are concerned about your health then you should see a doctor.

The ingredients of nicotine pouches are all food grade and won’t make you feel ill. Saying that, they are also not designed to be digested in the stomach. Once your nicotine pouch is finished, you should throw it away in the bin. If you can’t find a bin nearby you can use the handy compartment located in the lid of the tub that is designed specifically for storing used nicotine pouches.

Conclusion

Now that you know how long nicotine pouches take to work, you have a better idea of how long to keep them in for. They provide a gradual release of nicotine which takes a few minutes to activate in your mouth. Nicotine pouches are at their most effective around the 30 minute mark. At a minimum, you want to keep your nicotine pouch in for 5 to 10 minutes. If, however, you find that the pouch is burning and too uncomfortable to keep in your mouth, it may be an indication that your pouch is too strong and that you need to drop down to a lower strength.

If you still experience irritation, it may be an indication of pre-existing oral health conditions, a sensitivity to the ingredients, overuse or abrasion caused by the wrong pouch size. Moist nicotine pouches are worth considering if you’re experiencing discomfort as they are softer and less abrasive.

It is important to start your journey on a lower nicotine strength and work your way up. This way you can accurately determine the strength that effectively curbs your cravings without causing discomfort.

All that is left to do now is head to Alternix and pick your favourite nicotine pouch brand or flavour. Better yet, grab a multi-buy mix and match deal and save over 5%!