Whether you're trying a nicotine pouch for the first time or looking to get more comfortable with your routine, knowing exactly how to use one can make a real difference. This guide walks you through the full process – from opening the can to disposing of a used pouch – and answers the questions new users ask most often.
How to use a VELO pouch
Using a nicotine pouch is straightforward once you know the basics. Here’s a walkthrough of the process involved.
How to open a VELO can
Twist or lift the lid to open the can. Most VELO cans include a small catch compartment built into the lid, designed to hold used pouches until you can dispose of them properly. This keeps things mess-free, whether you're at home or out and about.
Remove a pouch and place it under your lip
Take a single pouch from the can and place it between your gum and upper lip. There's no need to chew it, suck on it, or do anything else – the pouch is designed to sit in place while nicotine is released into your saliva and absorbed through the lining of the mouth. [1][2]
Leave the pouch in place
Once positioned, the pouch releases nicotine gradually rather than all at once. Try not to move the pouch around too much while it's in place – leaving it settled in one spot is generally more comfortable and gives the most consistent experience.
Where to place the pouch and how long to keep it in
These are two of the questions many new users ask. The honest answer is that there's some room for personal preference.
Best placement for comfort
Many users find the upper lip – between the gum and the lip, above the front teeth – the most comfortable spot. This placement keeps the pouch away from the tongue and lower gum line, which some people find more sensitive, and it tends to stay in place well during everyday activity.
Can you move the pouch around?
If a position feels uncomfortable, it's fine to reposition the pouch slightly, or to try the opposite side of your mouth. Some users alternate sides between pouches to give their gum a rest. There's no single ‘correct’ spot – comfort is a reasonable guide.
How long does a VELO pouch last?
A pouch has two separate timelines worth knowing about: how long the nicotine release lasts, and how long the flavour lasts. They don't always end at the same moment.
Typical usage time
Most users keep a pouch in for between 20–40 minutes, though this varies by personal preference while VELO recommends keeping a pouch in place for around 30 minutes. Research into oral nicotine pouches has measured nicotine release over sessions of varying length, including up to 30 minutes.
There's no strict rule on timing, it's about what feels right for you, indeed researches into oral nicotine pouches has measured nicotine release and blood nicotine levels during sessions lasting 15 to 60 minutes, with longer sessions generally producing more nicotine extraction from the pouch. [3][1]
When should you remove a pouch?
A good sign it's time to remove a pouch is when the flavour has faded, and the sensation has become noticeably milder – this usually signals that most of the nicotine has been released. Some people remove a pouch sooner simply because they're done using it; others prefer to leave it in for the full duration.
First-time tips: tingling, strength and comfort
A few small adjustments can make a difference to how comfortable your first experiences are.
Start with the right strength
If you're new to pouches, it may be worth starting with a lower or medium strength rather than the strongest option available. Nicotine pouches vary in strength, and a milder pouch gives you a chance to get used to the sensation and format before deciding whether you'd prefer something stronger. Comfort is a better starting point than seeking out the highest strength on the shelf.
Give yourself time to adjust
Pouches deliver nicotine differently from vaping or smoking – more gradually, and through the mouth rather than the lungs. [1][2] It's normal for the sensation to feel unfamiliar at first. Many users find that the experience becomes more familiar over time.
Finding the most comfortable pouch format
VELO pouches come in different formats, including mini and slim options, which sit differently under the lip. A smaller format may feel more comfortable for some users, while others prefer a regular size. It's largely down to personal preference.
Our guide has more information about choosing the right nicotine pouch for you.
Common mistakes new users make
A handful of small habits can affect how new users use a nicotine pouch. Here's what to watch for.
Chewing or sucking the pouch
Pouches are designed to sit under the lip, not to be chewed or sucked like gum. Chewing won't speed up the nicotine release and may make the pouch less comfortable to keep in place.
Choosing a strength that's too high
Jumping straight to the strongest pouch available can feel uncomfortable, particularly for new users. Higher-strength products can also produce a more pronounced tingling sensation, partly linked to the pH environment created by the pouch as it interacts with saliva. [4] If a pouch feels too intense, you might consider a lower strength next time.
Our nicotine strength guide has more information about nicotine pouch strengths.
Removing the pouch too quickly
Because nicotine release builds gradually rather than all at once, removing a pouch within the first few minutes may mean you don't get the experience you were expecting. Research on usage duration shows that nicotine extraction increases the longer a pouch is used [3], so allowing more time before removing it can make for a more consistent experience.
How to store and dispose of pouches
Good storage and disposal habits can keep pouches fresh and make everyday use more convenient.
How to store VELO pouches
Keep the can sealed when you're not using it, and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This helps keep the pouches in good condition and preserves the flavour between uses.
Learn more about how to maintain your nicotine pouch in our guide.
How to dispose of used pouches
Used pouches should always go in a bin rather than being dropped or discarded elsewhere. Many VELO cans include a small catch-lid compartment specifically for storing used pouches until you can dispose of them properly.
FAQs
Can I swallow saliva while using a nicotine pouch?
It’s completely normal to swallow saliva during use. Research on oral nicotine pouches has found that swallowing saliva during pouch use has little to no meaningful impact on how nicotine is absorbed, since the nicotine measured in saliva during use is minimal – most of it is taken up through the oral mucosa rather than being ingested. [3]
Why does my nicotine pouch tingle?
A tingling sensation is a normal part of how pouches work. It's associated with the release of nicotine and the pH environment created inside the pouch, which affects how readily nicotine is absorbed through the mouth lining. [4][1] The sensation is sometimes more noticeable for new users.
Are mini or slim nicotine pouches better?
Neither is objectively ‘better’ – it comes down to personal comfort and preference. Smaller formats can feel less noticeable under the lip, while regular sizes suit users who prefer a firmer fit.
Can I use a nicotine pouch while walking, working or travelling?
One of the practical benefits of pouches is that they don't produce smoke or vapour, making them straightforward to use during everyday activities.
References
- ACS Omega. ‘Evaluation of Factors Impacting Nicotine Permeation in Oral Nicotine Pouch Products.’ Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c06007
- PMC/National Library of Medicine. ‘A Randomised Study to Investigate the Nicotine Pharmacokinetics of Oral Nicotine Pouches and a Combustible Cigarette.’ Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8917032/
- Azzopardi, D. et al. ‘A Randomized Crossover Clinical Study to Assess the Effect of Oral Nicotine Pouches Used for Different Durations on Plasma Nicotine Pharmacokinetics.’ Available at: https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcph.70090
- Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). ‘Nicotine Pouches.’ Available at: https://ash.org.uk/key-topics/nicotine-pouches
