When compared to vapes, IQOS was found to deliver nicotine at a faster rate, yet still received less favourable ratings.
The study titled, “Nicotine delivery and user ratings of IQOS heated tobacco system compared to cigarettes, Juul and refillable e-cigarettes,” aimed to evaluate the safety and effects of these products, and compare their effectiveness as smoking cessation tools.
In line with previous findings the researchers found that IQOS delivered less nicotine than cigarettes and Juul, hence was less effective than the latter at reducing nicotine cravings. When compared to traditional refillable e-cigarettes, IQOS was found to deliver nicotine at a faster rate, but received less favourable ratings.
IQOS may be less effective than the US version of Juul
To this effect, the researchers concluded that IQOS may be less effective than the US version of Juul (the version sold in the UK has very low nicotine delivery because of EU regulations and so it is less likely to be useful). The heated tobacco product may be as effective as refillable e-cigarettes, however participants preferred the latter.
“IQOS is likely to be useful to help smokers quit, particularly in countries like Japan, where e-cigarettes are banned; but in countries where e-cigarettes are available, they are likely to remain the more popular choice,” said study author Professor Peter Hajek from Queen Mary University of London.
