As a smoker for many years, I never thought that I would find an alternative to traditional cigarettes. But when I stumbled upon IQOS heatsticks during a trip to Europe, I was intrigued. After doing some research, I found out that IQOS is now available in the US and I decided to give it a try. In this article, I will share my experience and provide quality information about IQOS heatsticks in USA.
What are IQOS Heatsticks?
IQOS, which stands for “I Quit Ordinary Smoking,” is a brand created by Phillip Morris International. It is a heat-not-burn tobacco device that heats tobacco-filled sticks, called heatsticks, to a temperature below that of traditional cigarettes. This results in a tobacco vapor rather than smoke, which reduces the risk of harmful chemicals and odor.
IQOS Heatsticks in USA
IQOS has been available in over 50 countries since 2014, but it wasn’t until 2020 that it was introduced in the US. As a US resident, this news was exciting for me as I had only been able to purchase IQOS heatsticks during my travels. Now, IQOS is available online and in selected retail stores in the US, making it more accessible to smokers who want to switch to a less harmful alternative.
How Does IQOS Work?
IQOS consists of two parts: a holder and a pocket charger. The holder is where the IQOS heatstick is inserted, and the pocket charger is used to charge the holder. The heatstick is made up of real tobacco, as opposed to nicotine extract, which is found in e-cigarettes. When the heatstick is inserted into the holder, it is heated to a temperature of 660°F, releasing nicotine and flavor without producing smoke. This process is called “heat-not-burn” and is said to be less harmful compared to traditional smoking.
My Experience with IQOS Heatsticks
As a long-time smoker, I was skeptical about switching to IQOS heatsticks. However, after using it for a week, I was pleasantly surprised. The first thing I noticed was the lack of smoke and ash, which is a huge advantage for me as I don’t have to worry about the smoky smell sticking to my clothes or hair.
The vapor produced by IQOS is smooth and feels much cleaner compared to traditional cigarettes. I also found the flavor options to be more diverse compared to regular cigarettes. IQOS offers flavors like menthol, amber, and purple, which gave me more options to choose from depending on my mood.
One downside I noticed was the battery life of the pocket charger. It only lasts for one heatstick, and it takes about 5 minutes to fully charge the holder. However, this isn’t a big issue for me as I usually switch between heatsticks throughout the day, and I can easily charge the pocket charger at night.
Safety and Regulations
IQOS has been accepted as a reduced-risk product by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), stating that it has the potential to significantly reduce the risks associated with smoking. However, it is essential to note that IQOS still contains nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Therefore, it is not recommended for non-smokers or individuals under the legal smoking age of 21 in the US.
Pricing and Availability
IQOS heatsticks are available for purchase online and in selected retail stores in the US. The device itself costs $49 and comes with a USB charging cable, a cleaning tool, and ten wipes. The heatsticks come in packs of 20 and are priced at $9.50 per pack. This may seem expensive compared to traditional cigarettes, but the cost is well worth it for the benefits it offers.
In Conclusion
In my opinion, IQOS heatsticks are a game-changer for smokers who are looking to switch to a less harmful alternative. It provides the satisfaction of smoking without the ash, smoke, and lingering smell. The wide variety of flavors adds a bit of excitement to the experience, and the fact that it is accepted as a reduced-risk product by the FDA makes it even more appealing. If you are a smoker looking for a less harmful option, I highly recommend giving IQOS heatsticks a try. For more information and to purchase IQOS heatsticks in the US, visit iqos heatsticks usa.