Why we’re flagging this: Since single-use vapes were banned, some reusable vapes have been made to look very similar to the old disposables.
Last checked: 30 September 2026
What’s changing?
In the 2026 ASH Great Britain youth survey, 51% of 11–17-year-olds who currently vape said a cartridge or pod device was their main type. Tank devices were 21% and disposables 13%.
Brands once strongly linked with disposable vapes now sell reusable pod products. Government material says some newer products look very similar to single-use vapes.
Some larger-capacity products are marketed as “big puff” vapes.
Why does this matter?
A vape that looks like an old disposable may actually be a reusable pod device. You cannot tell whether a vape is legal or meets the rules simply by looking at its shape.
What don’t we know?
The figures above are for Great Britain. We do not have a Wales-only figure for young people’s use of “big puff” or disposable-lookalike reusable vapes.
What should schools and youth settings do?
If a product causes concern, record what you can see on the device or packaging and follow your safeguarding or incident process. Do not dismantle or test it.
By ASH Wales