Using a nicotine pouch isn't complicated. It's four steps from opening the can to disposing of the used pouch, and the whole thing takes less than a minute to learn.
This guide walks through it properly - where to place the pouch, how long to keep it in, what the first few minutes actually feel like, and the small mistakes that trip up most first-time users.
How to use a nicotine pouch in four steps
- Open the can and take out one pouch. Most cans have a screw-off lid or a flip-up lid with a recess inside for used pouches.
- Place the pouch under your upper lip. Slide it gently into position - usually to one side rather than directly in the centre.
- Leave it in place. No chewing, no sucking, no moving it around. Just let it sit. Nicotine and flavour release across the first 15 to 30 minutes, then taper off.
- Remove and dispose of the used pouch. Use the recess in the lid as a temporary holder until you reach a bin.
That's it. There's no spitting, no inhaling, no special technique - the pouch does the work.
Where to place the pouch
The standard position is under the upper lip, off to one side. That's where the gum has the right surface and blood flow for steady nicotine absorption, and it's where the pouch sits most comfortably and discreetly.
A few practical points:
- Pick a side. Most users develop a preference - left or right - and stick to it. There's no functional difference; it's purely about comfort.
- Don't centre it. Centering the pouch under the upper lip can feel bulky and is more visible. Sliding it to one side is more comfortable.
- Avoid the lower lip. Some products are designed for the lower lip but most modern UK pouches are upper-lip products. Using one in the lower lip is less effective and can be uncomfortable.
- Switch sides occasionally. Always placing the pouch in the same spot can cause gum irritation over time. Swapping sides between sessions helps.
How long to keep a pouch in
Most pouches deliver effectively for around 15 to 30 minutes - the release peaks in the first 10–15 minutes and tapers off from there. You can keep one in for up to 60 minutes if you prefer, but there's no benefit past the point the flavour fades. Take it out when it feels done.
Format and strength both affect how long a pouch stays active - mini pouches tend to finish earlier than slim or large. Full breakdown, including shelf life and storage.
What to expect during your first session
The first session feels slightly different from later ones. Here's what's normal:
- A mild tingling under the lip in the first few minutes. That's the salts in the pouch activating against the gum. It usually settles within 5–10 minutes.
- A nicotine effect within the first few minutes. Some brands release nicotine quickly and you'll feel it within 1–3 minutes - particularly drier, higher-strength or "fast-release" formats. Other pouches build more gradually across the first 10–15 minutes. Both are normal; how quickly a pouch hits depends on the brand, the moisture and the strength.
- A gentle warmth or slight dryness under the lip. Normal - pouches are drier than snus and the lip adjusts.
- Increased saliva. Common at first; it usually settles after a few sessions. Swallow normally, you don't need to spit.
What's not normal: severe dizziness, nausea, racing pulse, hiccups that won't stop, or strong burning under the lip. Those are signals that the strength is too high for your tolerance - remove the pouch and step down a tier next time.
Common first-time mistakes
Five mistakes that catch new users:
- Starting too strong. The most common error. Jumping straight to a Strong or Xstrong pouch when a Low or Normal would have been the right starting point usually causes side effects, not a better experience.
- Using more than one pouch at a time. Doubling up doesn't make the experience better - it just makes the side effects more likely. One pouch is enough.
- Chewing or sucking on the pouch. It's designed to release nicotine on contact with moisture. Chewing or sucking doesn't speed it up; it just makes the pouch fall apart.
- Keeping it in too long. Past 60 minutes, you're holding spent material under your lip with no benefit. Take it out when it's done.
- Always using the same lip position. Repeated contact in the exact same spot can irritate the gum. Swap sides across sessions.
How to dispose of a used pouch
Used pouches go in general waste - not down a sink, drain or toilet, where the fibres can cause blockages. Most cans have a small recess inside the lid for temporary disposal between bins. That recess isn't sealed and isn't designed for long-term storage; it's a place to park used pouches until you can throw them away.
Two practical tips:
- Don't leave used pouches in the can with fresh ones. It speeds up the drying of the unused pouches.
- Empty the recess regularly. A handful of used pouches in the lid is fine for a few hours; longer than that and the can starts to smell.
Some brands offer recycling programmes for used cans (the can itself, not the pouches). Worth checking the brand's site if that's something you want to do.
FAQ
How do you use a nicotine pouch for the first time?
Open the can, take one pouch, place it under your upper lip off to one side, and leave it in place for around 15 to 30 minutes. Remove when the flavour fades.
Where do you put a nicotine pouch?
Under the upper lip, usually to one side rather than centred. Avoid the lower lip - most modern UK pouches are designed for upper-lip use.
Do you swallow the saliva from a nicotine pouch?
Yes. There's no need to spit. The mild increase in saliva during the first few sessions is normal and settles with use.