IQOS Starter Guide

Learn how IQOS works and why it is much better alternative to conventional cigarettes

The IQOS is a so-called heat-not-burn (HNB) product that applies concentrated heat to a leaf tobacco mixture and extracts the contents as vapor. The unit heats the tobacco to a precise temperature that vaporizes but (supposedly) doesn’t combust, and produces vapor.

What is IQOS? General terms and ongoing development.
IQOS HeatControl technology. What you should know?
IQOS usage guide: charging, cleaning, keeping.
IQOS vs. Cigarette - what's the difference?

What is IQOS?

IQOS heats tobacco to provide real tobacco taste and satisfaction with no fire, no ash, no smoke and less smell; it is an alternative to cigarettes for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking and would like to enjoy real tobacco taste and satisfaction.

IQOS stands for precise heat control technology, advanced science and superior quality endorsement. IQOS has the potential to change the future of the tobacco industry and the lives of many adult smokers. This promise and the revolutionary nature of the offer are encapsulated in the brand tagline: IQOS – this changes everything. Hummingbird: as a symbol of movement and transformation. In ancient civilizations: hummingbird was the tobacco bird.

IQOS was designed by Philip Morris International R&D in Switzerland. The Holder and Pocket Charger are assembled by one of the leading electronics manufacturers in Malaysia. Tobacco sticks are manufactured in Neuchâtel, Switzerland and Bologna, Italy.

Over 3 billion USD has been invested on the development and assessment of innovative products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continued smoking. Team of around 400 world-class scientists and engineers in key disciplines, including materials science, consumer electronics, clinical science and systems toxicology.

IQOS is not a smoking cessation device. IQOS represents the latest innovation in tobacco enjoyment today. So far, scientific studies have shown that switching completely from cigarettes to IQOS significantly reduces the levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents formed in the aerosol and inhaled compared to cigarette smoke. In laboratory tests a significant reduction in the toxicity for IQOS tobacco vapor has been found compared to smoke from a reference cigarette.

However, the scientific data available to date in laboratory setting does not allow to draw definitive conclusions on the risk associated with the use of IQOS. Although these initial results are promising, further studies are currently underway and are planned to fully access the risk reduction of IQOS to adult consumers.

IQOS HeatControl Technology

IQOS is a tobacco heating system composed of 3 key elements: Holder, Pocket Charger and specifically designed tobacco sticks. IQOS is designed exclusively for adult smokers who want to continue enjoying tobacco products.

The Holder has a unique heating blade made of gold and platinum, coated in ceramic, and contains cutting-edge electronics which regulate the heat for a consistent experience every time.

IQOS heats tobacco rather than burning it. Special electronics in the Holder heat the tobacco in the tobacco stick to temperatures below 350°C without burning it. Generates a flavorful nicotine-containing aerosol. Real tobacco taste without fire, ash or cigarette smoke and less smell.

Tobacco reaches precisely controlled temperature range, below 350C degrees. The device generates an aerosol with real tobacco taste without fire, ash or cigarette smoke and less smell. The aerosol contains lower levels of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke.

IQOS usage

3 key elements are required to start using IQOS:

The Pocket Charger
The Holder The tobacco stick
Charge the Holder in the Pocket Charger

Just put the tobacco stick into the Holder. Enjoy a tobacco stick for 6 minutes or 14 puffs.

More information on using IQOS device could be found at User Manual.

Charging

The IQOS Holder and Pocket Charger are designed and tested to last approximately 7300 experiences. It is recommended to manually clean the Holder every day in order to ensure a longer life cycle and optimal taste. Follow the instructions in the user guide.

The Holder can be charged up to 20 times with a fully-charged IQOS Pocket Charger. Only charge the device using the USB and power adaptors that have been provided with the device. It takes approximately 90 minutes to fully charge the IQOS Pocket Charger.

The latch must be closed in order for the Holder to charge. If a tobacco stick is in the Holder, the latch on the Pocket Charger will not shut. You can recharge the Pocket Charger with or without the Holder inserted. The Pocket Charger does not require a full charge to work, however we recommend fully charging the Pocket Charger before the first usage.

Before charging, insert the Holder in the Pocket Charger and press the ON button.

Soft reset procedure: press and hold the on/off button together with cleaning button for 2 seconds.

During and after use, the section of the holder where the Tobacco stick is placed may become hot. This is normal.

Cleaning

To ensure optimal taste we recommend cleaning the Holder's heating blade, and the surrounding area, and cap using the IQOS Cleaner and Cleaning stick once a day.

The cap should be fully removed before manually cleaning the device.
The holder cap, when removed from the holder, can be cleaned under running water. Dry the cap before replacing it on the holder.
Never use cleaning agents, solvents, chemicals, volatiles, compressed air or any other liquids (other than clean tap water) to clean the Holder cap or the cleaning tool.

Additional info on cleaning: IQOS Cleaning Guide

Weather Conditions and Storage

IQOS is designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, but the tobacco stick taste is best when the device is used at temperatures between 10 and 40 degrees Celcium.

Keep IQOS away from water, direct sunlight and/or heat. Do not leave the device for a long time in a hot place such as inside a car as the lithium ion battery or electric circuit board may be damaged, or significantly deteriorated.

IQOS vs. Cigarette

IQOS is a true alternative to cigarette smoking. Real tobacco taste without fire, ash or cigarette smoke and less smell. IQOS heats tobacco rather than burning it. It generates an aerosol with real tobacco taste.

Reasons for adult smokers to give up cigarettes for IQOS:

New way of enjoying tobacco. By heating tobacco the true taste of tobacco is released.
Significantly lower levels of harmful chemicals and noticeably less smell than cigarette smoke.
IQOS replicates many of the sensorial and ritual aspects of smoking. The average experience duration is about the same as smoking a cigarette.
Tobacco sticks are made from a specially selected blend of tobacco in order to provide tobacco taste and satisfaction that replicates as much as possible what adult smokers expect.
Laboratory study in Switzerland was conducted to compare the dental discoloration caused by 3 weeks of exposure to IQOS aerosol compared with that caused by an equivalent exposure to cigarette smoke. Teeth exposed to cigarette smoke showed a significant discoloration, while those exposed to the IQOS aerosol did not.