Vape Terms Explained: Disposable, Pod, MTL

If you vape in Switzerland, you constantly come across terms like “disposable”, “pod”, “MTL” or “nic salt”. Since 1 October 2024, some of them are more than jargon: whether a device counts as a disposable e-cigarette or as a rechargeable pod system determines the tax and which rules apply. In this overview, we explain the most important vape terms briefly and clearly (as of October 2026).

Disposable, pod and liquid: the legally relevant terms

Disposable refers to a prefilled e-cigarette that is thrown away once it is empty. You don’t refill anything and you don’t change any parts. Since the Federal Supreme Court ruling of 14 April 2026, disposable e-cigarettes may contain no more than 2 ml of liquid, and this volume may not be extended by a connected cartridge or an additional tank. Hybrid or “big puff” devices can therefore no longer be sold in Switzerland. You’ll find a selection in our Disposable Vapes collection.

Pod system refers to a rechargeable device with replaceable cartridges (pods). The pods are either prefilled or filled with liquid by you. Devices like the Elf Bar ELFA Pro or the Aroma King SMART are rechargeable pod systems, not disposable vapes, even though they are often called that in everyday use.

Liquid is the fluid that is vaporised in the device. It usually consists of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and optionally nicotine. You’ll find refill liquids in our Liquid collection.

Since 1 October 2024, a tax on e-cigarettes has applied in Switzerland:

Product	Tax (plus 8.1% VAT)
Disposable e-cigarette (including nicotine-free)	CHF 1.00 per ml
Nicotine-containing liquids and refills (e.g. pods)	CHF 0.20 per ml

This explains part of the price difference between disposables and pod systems. Read more in the article Vape tax in Switzerland. In addition, e-cigarettes with and without nicotine may only be sold to people aged 18 and over throughout Switzerland, including online.

Tip: If you vape regularly, a rechargeable pod system is often cheaper in the long run than disposables, because the tax per millilitre on refills is lower.

Draw styles: MTL, RDL and DTL compared

Besides the legal terms, there is a second level: the way you draw on the device. It determines which device and which liquid suit you.

MTL (Mouth to Lung) means you first draw the vapour into your mouth and then inhale it. This matches the way you draw on a cigarette. MTL devices have a tight airflow, produce little vapour and are mostly used with nicotine salt liquids. Most compact pod systems are designed for MTL.

DTL (Direct to Lung), often also called DL, means the vapour is inhaled straight into the lungs without stopping in the mouth. DTL devices have a wide airflow, produce a lot of vapour and are used with lower nicotine strengths. Sub-ohm devices are typical.

RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) sits in between: a direct draw with a little more resistance. Many devices with adjustable airflow allow both styles.

Feature	MTL	RDL	DTL
Airflow	tight	medium	wide
Vapour volume	low	medium	high
Typical nicotine strength	rather high (nic salt)	medium	low
Coil resistance	usually above 1 ohm	about 0.5 to 1 ohm	below 0.5 ohm
Liquid consumption	low	medium	high

Your draw style also affects costs: DTL devices use considerably more liquid than MTL devices. The different device and liquid types are explained in the article Liquid or pod?.

More vape terms in brief

Coil: the heating element that vaporises the liquid. Its resistance (in ohms) determines whether a device is meant more for MTL, RDL or DTL. On devices with replaceable coils, flavour and vapour fade over time; then it’s time for a change.
Nic salt (nicotine salt): a form of nicotine that feels less harsh on the throat, even at higher strengths. It is mainly used in MTL pod systems.
Freebase nicotine: the classic form of nicotine, used more in powerful devices with lower nicotine strength.
Sub-ohm: devices with a coil resistance below 1 ohm. They produce more vapour and use more liquid.
Prefilled pod: a pod that comes filled and is replaced once empty.
VG/PG ratio: the mixing ratio of glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). More VG means more vapour and a thicker liquid, more PG more flavour and a stronger “throat hit”. For MTL devices, 50/50 is common, for DTL rather 70/30.
Throat hit: the scratchy feeling in the throat when inhaling, which depends mainly on nicotine strength and nicotine form.
Airflow: the air intake of the device. Adjustable airflow makes the draw tighter or more open.
Shortfill and nicotine shot: a shortfill is a nicotine-free liquid in a bottle that is not completely full. If you want nicotine, you add a nicotine shot (concentrated nicotine solution).
Leakproof: good seals prevent liquid from leaking. Liquid containing nicotine should not get onto your skin.

Tip: Check the VG/PG ratio when buying liquid. A very thick liquid with a lot of VG can cause dry hits in a small MTL device because it flows back too slowly.

Terms around safety and disposal

Every device has a battery. Terms such as overcharge protection or short-circuit protection describe electronic safety features. Charge your device with a suitable cable, don’t leave it unattended while charging and stop using damaged devices. Keep devices and liquids out of the reach of children. In case of nicotine poisoning, Tox Info Suisse can help on 145; in an emergency, call 144.

Disposables contain a lithium battery, electronics and plastic. They do not belong in household waste but at a collection point for electrical devices or back at the point of sale. Rechargeable pod systems produce less electronic waste because only the pods are replaced. You’ll find more advice in the article Vape safety: understanding the risks.

Why these terms matter

In the past, choosing an e-cigarette was mainly a question of taste and technology. Today, taxes and laws play a part too. If you know that a prefilled pod is taxed differently from a disposable, you understand price differences better. And if you know the difference between MTL and DTL, you are more likely to buy a device that suits the way you vape. The current cantonal rules on disposable vapes can be found in the article Disposable vape ban: cantons at a glance.

Nicotine is addictive. Smoke-free products are not risk-free either. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Frequently asked questions about vape terminology

What is the difference between a disposable vape and a pod system?

A disposable vape comes prefilled and is thrown away once empty. A pod system is rechargeable and only the pods are replaced. In Switzerland, disposable e-cigarettes are taxed at CHF 1.00 per ml and nicotine-containing refills at CHF 0.20 per ml.