The IQOS tobacco heating system appeared in Russia about 4 years ago. However, not everyone knows what IQOS is, whether it can be used in a public place, and how it affects the color of teeth. In this article we will answer the most popular questions about the device.
Important:
- IQOS is a tobacco heating system that uses HeatControl ™ technology;
- Philip Morris International (PMI) has invested more than $ 6 billion in research, development and commercialization of smokeless products. Today, more than 12 million adult users in more than 40 countries have opted for IQOS.
- In the spring of 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the sale of IQOS in America. In October 2019, the first IQOS store opened in Atlanta, Georgia.
What is IQOS (Aykos)?
IQOS is an innovative tobacco heating system. In fact, Aykos is not an alternative to quitting smoking. For those who think about the health risks that smoking can entail, the best choice is to stop using tobacco in all its forms.
IQOS is powered by HeatControl ™ technology. It controls the temperature inside the stick for IQOS, preventing the tobacco from burning inside. It is the combustion products that represent the greatest harm to the human body, contributing to the development of diseases associated with smoking. For comparison, tobacco in sticks for Aykos is heated to 350 ° C, while in a cigarette the temperature can reach from 600 ° to 800 ° C.
The technology has been researched and tested for a long time by scientists and engineers at the Swiss Research Center. For over 20 years, they have been developing smokeless platforms that could reduce the risks for smokers. And they did it: when IQOS is used, 95% less harmful substances are released compared to cigarettes *.
Important: this does not mean a 95% reduction in risk. Using IQOS does not preclude health risks.
* Average reduction in levels of harmful substances (excluding nicotine) in IQOS aerosol compared to the smoke of the reference cigarette used in the study (3R4F)
Are there any clinical studies of IQOS?
Before introducing IQOS on the market, Philip Morris International (PMI) tested it for a long time on “models” of human cells - “organ-on-a-chip”, and also examined the effect of IQOS on the body of adult smokers.
The largest study was the Exposure Response Study, which lasted 12 months. 984 adult volunteer smokers took part in it: 488 completely switched to IQOS, and 496 continued to smoke cigarettes. Scientists tracked the performance of 8 markers that are associated with smoking-related illnesses. After 6 months of research, all the markers of IQOS volunteer users decreased and almost equaled non-smokers.
Does using IQOS affect tooth enamel color?
IQOS vapor and cigarette smoke have a different composition: the vapor is mainly composed of water, glycerin and nicotine. And there are no solid particles that are contained in cigarette smoke and just give the teeth a dark yellow hue.
In order to test the effect of IQOS vapor and cigarette smoke on tooth color, scientists conducted an experiment. They took molar samples and dental composites, a material often used for fillings. Having placed them in a special laboratory system Vitrocell®️ 24/48, they exposed one part of the samples with cigarette smoke and the other with IQOS vapor. In total, the experiment lasted three weeks: four days a week, the samples were "blown", and for the remaining three days they were placed in artificial saliva at a temperature of 37 ° C. They were also brushed with a toothbrush.
At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, the color of teeth and fillings was checked with a special device - a spectrophotometer - a camera that measures color and translates data into digital values. The spectrophotometer showed that samples exposed to cigarette smoke acquired a characteristic dark yellow color. The teeth and fillings affected by the IQOS steam almost did not change their color. Tobacco vapor produced by IQOS stains teeth significantly less than cigarette smoke *.
Please note: if your teeth are already covered with a coating of cigarette smoke, switching to IQOS will not reduce their darkening. Therefore, the advantage will be most obvious after professional brushing and a complete switch to IQOS.
* In a laboratory study conducted in Switzerland, human teeth and the most common dental fill materials exposed to IQOS aerosol for 3 weeks showed significantly less staining compared to samples exposed to standard cigarette smoke (3R4F). Unlike actual conditions, the samples were not exposed to other dyes, such as coffee, tea or wine, which could affect the results.
Can I use IQOS in public?
Due to its vapor composition, which is released when using IQOS, it has a less pronounced odor and dissipates in a couple of minutes. Despite the fact that steam is likely to cause less discomfort to others, it is best to use the device in public places with the consent of the administration. There are also many IQOS-friendly establishments (their list can be found on the official website of Aikos), special lounge areas at airports and brand boutiques where consultants can show how to use the device.
How to get IQOS for a free test drive?
Before buying IQOS, you can test it - such a service is offered by the brand. To do this, go to the official website of Aykos in the "Test Drive" section and fill out a short form. Later, the expert will call you back and make an appointment. On it, he will give you a device, and also tell you how to use Aykos and answer all questions. For a test drive, IQOS 2.4 Plus is provided for 7 days. After this time, you can easily return the device - the test drive does not oblige you to anything, or inform the courier about the intention to purchase the device - then he will bring you the model you like and pick up the test IQOS 2.4 Plus.
Where to buy IQOS?
IQOS can be purchased on the official IQOS website, in company stores and partner stores. There are 3 models in total:
IQOS 2.4 Plus is the first device that the company introduced on the Russian market. Consists of a charger and holder. The holder is recharged within 4 minutes 10 seconds, the charger - 90 minutes using a cable with a MicroUSB connector. It is presented in black and white colors.
The price of IQOS 2.4 Plus is 2990 rubles *.
IQOS 3 is a third-generation device. It also consists of a charger and holder - the most compact in the IQOS line. The holder is recharging for 3 minutes 30 seconds, which is 15% faster than the previous model. The device has an updated design and two new colors: blue and gold, as well as the ability to customize the device for yourself using multi-colored accessories: caps, side panels, covers and cases.
The price of IQOS 3 is 5990 rubles *.
IQOS 3 Multi - called the all-in-one device. The charger and holder are combined in one unit. Due to this, the model does not need to be recharged between sessions, since when fully charged it lasts for 10 sessions in a row. You can also buy multi-colored caps and silicone covers to it to diversify the appearance of the device. It is presented in 4 colors: black, white, blue and gold.
The price of IQOS 3 Multi is 5990 rubles *.
* Price on the official IQOS website at the time of writing.
Does not exclude risks.
Affiliate material.
