RELX Beginner Setup Guide: Pod Compatibility & First Use
📑 Table of Contents
Introduction: Mastering Your RELX Device
While RELX devices are incredibly simple to use, understanding proper technique makes the difference between an average experience and an exceptional one. This guide focuses specifically on how to use your RELX device correctly—covering puffing technique, drawing pressure, leak prevention, and daily maintenance.
Whether you’re experiencing issues like leaking, weak hits, or harsh throat sensation—or simply want to optimize your vaping experience—this guide provides practical, actionable techniques you can apply immediately.
💡 Key Principle
RELX pods are built for puffing under normal drawing pressure. The device is designed to work with gentle, cigarette-like draws—not hard, forceful pulls. Mastering this gentle technique is the foundation of proper RELX usage.
First Use: Pod Insertion & Priming
Proper Pod Insertion Technique
When inserting your RELX pod, technique matters to prevent leaking and ensure proper connection:
1Remove Bottom Silicone Plug Only
Before inserting, gently pull out the small silicone plug at the bottom of the pod. This plug keeps e-liquid fresh during storage. Important: Do NOT remove the black mouthpiece cap—leave it in place.
2Hold Pod by Hard Plastic Edges
Place your fingers on the outer edges of the hard plastic mouthpiece—NOT on the soft silicone sides of the pod body. This prevents squeezing the pod, which can force liquid up into the air path and cause leaking.
⚠️ Critical: Avoid squeezing the RELX pod as it clicks into place. Pressure on the pod body forces e-liquid upward, leading to leaks and gurgling.
3Insert Firmly Until Click
Align the pod with the device slot and push firmly (but without squeezing) until you hear/feel a satisfying click. The pod should sit completely flush with the device body—no gaps visible.
4Prime the Pod (Wait 2-3 Minutes)
After inserting a new pod, wait 2-3 minutes before first use. This allows e-liquid to fully saturate the wick, preventing dry hits and burnt taste. During this wait, you can take 3-4 gentle puffs WITHOUT inhaling—this helps prime the coil by drawing liquid into the wick.
First Puff Technique
It may take a little extra suction on the first try to get the RELX pod working. This initial draw helps establish proper e-liquid flow to the coil. However, following puffs should be gentle—not forceful. After the first 2-3 puffs, switch to normal, cigarette-like drawing pressure.
Proper Puffing Technique
RELX devices work best with mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping technique—the same natural draw you use when smoking a cigarette. This technique maximizes flavor, provides satisfying throat hit, and prevents device issues.
The 4-Step MTL Technique
1Gentle Draw to Mouth
Take a slow, steady 2-3 second draw, pulling vapor into your mouth first (not directly to lungs). Think of it like sipping through a straw—gentle and controlled. The device will activate automatically when you inhale.
2Hold Briefly
Pause for 1 second with vapor in your mouth. This allows you to taste the flavor fully and prepares for lung inhalation.
3Inhale to Lungs
Open your mouth slightly and breathe the vapor into your lungs along with some fresh air. This dilutes the vapor and provides smoother throat hit.
4Exhale & Wait
Breathe out naturally. Wait 10-15 seconds before next puff to allow the coil to re-saturate with e-liquid. This prevents dry hits and extends pod life.
What NOT To Do
❌ Avoid Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Hits
Don’t take deep, direct lung hits like you would with high-power vape mods. RELX is designed for MTL vaping. Direct lung hits cause:
- Harsh throat irritation
- Excessive nicotine intake (dizziness, nausea)
- Poor flavor quality
- Potential pod flooding
❌ Don’t “Chain Vape”
Taking multiple puffs in rapid succession (chain vaping) doesn’t allow the wick time to re-saturate. This leads to burnt taste, coil damage, and shortened pod life. Always wait 10-15 seconds between puffs.
Understanding Drawing Pressure
RELX pods are built for puffing under normal drawing pressure. Understanding what “normal” means is crucial for optimal performance and preventing issues.
What is “Normal” Drawing Pressure?
Normal drawing pressure is the gentle, natural suction you use when:
- Sipping through a regular drinking straw
- Smoking a traditional cigarette
- Gently pulling air through slightly pursed lips
Pressure Comparison Chart
| Drawing Style | Pressure Level | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle/Normal Like sipping a drink |
✅ Ideal | Smooth vapor, great flavor, no leaking |
| Too Light Barely pulling |
⚠️ Too Weak | Weak vapor, muted flavor, device may not activate |
| Too Hard Forceful pulling |
❌ Too Strong | Forces liquid into air path, causes leaking & gurgling |
Why Hard Puffing Causes Problems
Puffing too hard can force liquid up into the air path, causing several issues:
🚨 Leaking
Excessive pressure pushes e-liquid past seals and into the mouthpiece or device body.
🚨 Gurgling
Liquid floods the coil chamber, creating bubbling sounds and spitting.
🚨 Weak Flavor
Flooded coil can’t vaporize properly, resulting in muted taste and poor performance.
Preventing Leaking & Gurgling
Leaking is the most common issue RELX users face—and it’s almost always caused by user behavior, not defective pods. Follow these practices to completely eliminate leaking:
Critical Rule: Don’t Squeeze the Mouthpiece
It is best to avoid squeezing the mouthpiece between your teeth or lips. This pressure may force liquid up into the air path and cause leakage.
Proper technique: Place the mouthpiece gently against your lips—don’t bite down or create a tight seal with your teeth. Your lips should form a soft seal, not a vice grip.
5 Leak Prevention Practices
1. Use Gentle Drawing Pressure
As explained above, use normal cigarette-like suction. Hard pulls force liquid upward.
2. Don’t Squeeze Pod or Mouthpiece
When inserting pod, hold by hard plastic edges. When vaping, rest mouthpiece gently on lips—don’t bite or squeeze.
3. Store Device Upright
When not in use, store device upright (mouthpiece up) rather than lying flat or upside down. Gravity naturally keeps e-liquid in the reservoir.
4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Heat causes e-liquid to thin and expand, increasing leak risk. Don’t leave device in hot cars, direct sunlight, or near heaters.
5. Clean Contacts Regularly
Wipe metal contacts on both device and pod weekly with dry cotton swab. Residue buildup can prevent proper sealing.
If Your Pod is Already Leaking
Quick fix:
- Remove pod from device
- Wipe all liquid from mouthpiece and device contacts with tissue
- Use cotton swab to clean device chamber and pod connection
- Let air dry for 2-3 minutes
- Reinsert pod carefully (don’t squeeze)
- Take gentle puffs going forward
Daily Usage Best Practices
Beyond technique, these daily habits ensure consistent performance and extend pod life:
⏱️ Pace Your Puffs
- Wait 10-15 seconds between puffs
- This allows coil to cool and wick to re-saturate
- Prevents dry hits and extends pod life
- Quality over quantity—mindful vaping
💧 Stay Hydrated
- Vaping can cause mild dehydration
- Drink extra water throughout the day
- Reduces dry mouth and throat irritation
- Improves overall vaping experience
🎨 Rotate Flavors
- Keep 2-3 different flavors on hand
- Prevents “vaper’s tongue” (flavor fatigue)
- Switch flavors every few hours or days
- Maintains flavor enjoyment
🔋 Smart Charging
- Charge when battery reaches 20-30%
- Don’t wait until completely dead
- Unplug when fully charged
- Avoid overnight charging
🧹 Regular Cleaning
- Wipe contacts weekly with dry cotton swab
- Takes only 30 seconds
- Prevents 90% of connection issues
- Maintains optimal performance
📦 Pod Management
- Always keep 2-3 spare pods
- Store sealed pods in cool, dry place
- Check expiration dates
- Replace pod at first sign of weak flavor
How RELX Temperature Control Works
Understanding RELX’s heating system helps you appreciate why proper technique matters:
Closed-Loop Temperature Control
RELX uses a closed-loop temperature control algorithm designed to deliver the ideal amount of power to the RELX pod. This smart system:
- Monitors coil temperature in real-time
- Adjusts power output automatically to maintain optimal heating
- Prevents overheating that causes burnt taste
- Ensures consistent vapor quality from first to last puff
- Extends pod lifespan by preventing coil damage
Heating Components
The liquid is heated using an industry standard wick and nichrome coil system:
Organic Cotton Wick – Absorbs and holds e-liquid, feeding it to the coil
Nichrome Coil – Heats rapidly and evenly to vaporize e-liquid
Temperature Sensor – Monitors heat in real-time for precise control
Smart Chip – Adjusts power automatically based on sensor data
Why This System Requires Proper Technique
Even with advanced temperature control, the system works best when you:
- ✅ Use gentle drawing pressure (allows proper airflow)
- ✅ Wait between puffs (lets wick re-saturate)
- ✅ Keep contacts clean (maintains electrical connection)
- ✅ Prime new pods properly (ensures wick is saturated)
Bottom line: RELX’s temperature control is designed to work WITH proper technique, not compensate for poor habits. Master the fundamentals, and the technology will deliver consistently excellent results.
Simple Maintenance Routine
Proper maintenance takes less than 2 minutes per week and prevents 90% of common issues:
Weekly Cleaning (30 Seconds)
What You Need
- Dry cotton swabs (Q-tips)
- Soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber preferred)
Steps
- Remove pod from device
- Use dry cotton swab to gently wipe metal contacts on device
- Wipe metal contacts on bottom of pod
- Remove any visible e-liquid residue or condensation
- Let air dry for 1-2 minutes
- Reinsert pod carefully
⚠️ Important: Use only DRY cotton swabs. Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning solutions on contacts—moisture can damage electronics.
Monthly Deep Clean (2 Minutes)
- Remove pod and set aside
- Check USB-C charging port for lint or debris
- Use compressed air or toothpick to gently remove particles (be careful not to damage contacts)
- Wipe exterior of device with slightly damp cloth
- Dry thoroughly before reinserting pod
- Check for firmware updates if applicable (Artisan Plus)
Quick Troubleshooting
Most issues stem from technique or maintenance. Here are quick fixes:
Problem: Weak or No Vapor
Likely causes & fixes:
- Battery low → Charge device
- Pod not clicked in → Remove and reinsert firmly
- Contacts dirty → Clean with dry cotton swab
- New pod not primed → Wait 2-3 minutes after insertion
- Drawing too gently → Use slightly firmer (but still gentle) pull
Problem: Leaking or Gurgling
Likely causes & fixes:
- Puffing too hard → Use gentler drawing pressure
- Squeezing mouthpiece → Don’t bite or squeeze when vaping
- Squeezed during insertion → Hold pod by hard plastic edges only
- Stored sideways/upside down → Store upright when possible
- Temperature fluctuations → Avoid leaving in hot car/sun
Problem: Harsh Throat Hit
Likely causes & fixes:
- Taking direct lung hits → Use MTL technique (mouth first, then lungs)
- Chain vaping → Wait 10-15 seconds between puffs
- Dehydration → Drink more water throughout day
- Nicotine too strong → Consider switching to 3% if using 5%
- Pod nearly empty → Replace with fresh pod
Problem: Burnt or Muted Flavor
Likely causes & fixes:
- Pod empty or nearly empty → Replace pod
- Chain vaping → Wait longer between puffs
- New pod not primed → Wait 2-3 minutes before first use
- Vaper’s tongue (flavor fatigue) → Switch to different flavor
- Pod past its lifespan → Replace after ~650 puffs or 1-3 days
Quick Reference: Do’s and Don’ts
✅ DO
- Use gentle, cigarette-like drawing pressure
- Wait 10-15 seconds between puffs
- Prime new pods (wait 2-3 minutes)
- Hold pod by hard plastic edges when inserting
- Rest mouthpiece gently on lips (don’t bite)
- Clean contacts weekly with dry cotton swab
- Store device upright when possible
- Stay hydrated while vaping
- Replace pod at first sign of weak flavor
- Use MTL (mouth-to-lung) technique
❌ DON’T
- Puff too hard or forcefully
- Squeeze pod body or mouthpiece
- Bite down on mouthpiece while vaping
- Take direct-to-lung hits
- Chain vape (rapid successive puffs)
- Leave device in hot car or direct sunlight
- Continue using empty or burnt-tasting pod
- Use device while charging
- Clean contacts with wet swabs
- Ignore signs of leaking or gurgling
Master These Basics
Follow these guidelines and you’ll enjoy smooth vapor, great flavor, and zero leaking issues. Most RELX problems come from technique—not defective products.
