Comparing POD and MOD ENDS Users' Product Characteristics, Use Behaviors, and Nicotine Exposure

Area of Science:

• Tobacco control and regulatory science
• Public health research
• Nicotine toxicology

Background:

• Pod electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are increasingly popular, often utilizing high-concentration nicotine salts.
• These devices have largely supplanted open/modifiable devices (MODs) in the market.
• Understanding the differences in user behavior and nicotine exposure between these device types is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare device and liquid characteristics between POD and MOD ENDS users.
• To analyze differences in user behavior, including liquid consumption and puff topography.
• To assess and compare nicotine exposure levels between POD and MOD ENDS users.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study comparing exclusive POD (n=37) and MOD (n=48) ENDS users.
• Data collection included questionnaires on demographics, ENDS use patterns, and device features.
• Biochemical measures (urinary cotinine) and puff topography were assessed.

Main Results:

• MOD users purchased significantly more liquid than POD users (180.4 ml vs. 50.9 ml).
• POD liquids had higher nicotine concentrations (41.6 mg/ml vs. 8.9 mg/ml) and salt presence (77.4% vs. 11.9%).
• Despite these differences, urinary cotinine levels and puff topography did not differ between user groups.

Conclusions:

• Users of both POD and MOD ENDS exhibited similar nicotine exposure levels.
• Behavioral compensation, such as increased liquid consumption by MOD users, likely explains the comparable nicotine exposure.
• Findings highlight user adaptation to varying ENDS product characteristics.