Why are nicotine pouches placed in the upper lip?
Are you curious about why you must put a nicotine pouch under your upper lip? If so, we get it. To new or potential users, the specific placement in the mouth can seem strange or perhaps even off-putting. Why not the lower lip? Why should you not be able to put it wherever you like? Well, the fact is that you can put one in any area of your mouth, but it is not always the best idea to do so. If you would like to find out more about why nicotine pouches go under the upper lip, what happens if you put one in your lower lip, and tips and tricks to find the best fit for you, keep reading.
Why the Upper Lip Is the Best Place to Put Your Pouch
There are multiple ways to get an oral nicotine fix, such as dipping tobacco, chewing tobacco, dip pouches, and traditional Swedish snus, which inspired nicotine pouches. However, few are as popular as snus and nicotine pouches, regardless of their pleasant taste or strong buzz, because they do not go under the upper lip. There are many reasons why this area is the best place to get your daily dose of flavor and vitamin N, so if you are looking for the best way to use a nicotine pouch, it is undoubtedly up top. Here are the main reasons why:
- It is super discreet: You have most likely encountered many users of these products but have never known it, which is because when used under the upper lip, they are unnoticeable to others. The slim, lightweight format is fully concealable if used correctly, enabling you to use them anytime, anywhere.
- You will get minimal drip: Drip refers to the contents of a pouch leaching out into the mouth when too much salivation occurs, which can be unpleasant and cause a burning sensation at the back of the throat. Correct use should extract the most nicotine and flavor from the pouch with minimal salivation, which is why the upper lip is best, as it is furthest from the salivary glands.
- It is the most comfortable: The nicotine pouch experience can last upwards of 30 minutes to an hour, so you will want to find a comfortable position for it to do its work. The upper lip is the optimal place for this, as it will sit firmly and is less likely to slip out of position and cause gum irritation or chafing.
What About the Lower Lip?
Can you use a nicotine pouch in the lower lip? Yes, you can, just like people sometimes lower lip snus. Will it work as well and be as satisfying? Most likely not. Lower lip use means that the pouch is much closer to the salivary glands, which causes more salivation and, therefore, more drip. While drip is not harmful, it is, as mentioned earlier, unpleasant and may make the flavor overpowering.
Lower lip use can also cause a faster release of the nicotine and flavor, which may sound appealing, but can bode for a short-lived experience, as it all gets used up straight away. Finally, since it is moister and the lower lip is less tight to the gum, using this position will be less comfortable, and the pouch could slide around as you move your mouth or speak.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Fit Under Your Lip
Every user is different, so experimentation is the key to finding the best fit for you. However, there are a few surefire ways to ensure that you get the most out of your pouches and have a comfortable experience, as shown below:
- N Switch sides: Not every user experiences gum pain or irritation, but if you do, you likely do not switch sides often enough. Only using one side of the mouth, especially with strong nicotine pouches, like the high VELO strengths or menthol flavors, can mean that the gum in that area does not get a break. So, alternate positions after each portion!
- N Move it closer to the middle: If you are struggling with drip, despite placing your pouches up top, it could be because you are putting them too far back. The further it is to one side, the closer it is to the salivary glands, which can cause drip. The ideal position is nearer to the middle, just above the front teeth.
- N Evenly distribute the contents before use: Dry pouches, like Nordic Spirit, usually have evenly distributed contents, as the plant fiber and fillers can move freely and take up the space. Moist products, however, such as KILLA nicotine pouches, sometimes come with the contents to one side, which is not a manufacturing issue or indication of poor quality but simply because of the moisture causing clumping. In this case, for a more comfortable fit, you can 'fluff' the pouches up by rotating them through your index finger and thumb.
If the tips listed above do not work, it may be that you have not found a product that is suited to you yet. Luckily, there are many nicotine pouch brands and hundreds of flavors and strengths to try, so you are sure to find one that you like.