Comparison of Measurement Methods for Electronic Cigarette Puff Topography

Area of Science:

• Tobacco regulatory science
• Behavioral toxicology
• Nicotine product research

Background:

• Electronic cigarette (ECIG) topography is vital for understanding nicotine delivery and user behavior.
• Mouthpiece-based topography devices may influence natural puffing patterns.
• Accurate measurement methods are needed to assess ECIG product characteristics and user interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare ECIG puff topography measured by a mouthpiece-based device (eTop) versus mouthpiece-free video recordings.
• To assess the accuracy and reliability of the eTop device in measuring ECIG topography.
• To evaluate the impact of mouthpiece use on subjective ECIG experience.

Main Methods:

• Participants included ECIG-naïve smokers (N=18) and experienced users (N=25).
• Puff topography was recorded using the eTop device and video analysis during directed and ad libitum puffing sessions.
• Heart rate and subjective responses were measured throughout the study.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found between the eTop device and video recording methods for topography, heart rate, or subjective effects.
• Both measurement methods demonstrated accuracy and reliability.
• Participants perceived mouthpiece use as potentially altering enjoyment of ECIG puffing.

Conclusions:

• The mouthpiece-based eTop device provides precise ECIG topography measurements comparable to mouthpiece-free methods.
• The eTop device minimally interferes with the subjective ECIG experience.
• Validated ECIG topography measurement is essential for regulatory purposes, aiding in the prediction of toxicant exposure by understanding product design and user behavior interactions.