Quantitative comparisons between a nicotine delivery device (Eclipse) and conventional cigarette smoking

In 1997, R. J. Reynolds introduced Eclipse, a nicotine delivery device (NDD) purported to deliver lower levels of smoke than conventional cigarettes. This NDD uses a carbon fuel element to vaporize the nicotine in the rod; the user then inhales the nicotine vapor. In the present study, the effects of this NDD on smoking topography; substance delivery factors; and physiological, subjective, and biochemical markers of smoking were compared with commercial cigarettes (referred to as Own Brand). All smoking occurred ad lib with the cigarette or NDD hand-held (conventional) or held in a topography mouthpiece. A total of 10 adults (seven males) smoked on five occasions: NDD conventional, NDD topography, Own Brand conventional, Own Brand topography (twice). Sessions were separated by at least 24 hr. Measures were taken before and 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min after smoking. The NDD took longer to smoke (366s vs. 292s), required more puffs (14.8 vs. 10.8), and caused a larger increase in exhaled carbon monoxide (CO; 7.3ppm vs. 4.2ppm) than Own Brand. However, venous plasma nicotine boost was significantly larger 2 min after smoking Own Brand as compared with the NDD (16.4 ng/ml vs. 10.7 ng/ml). Puff volume (90.7 ml vs. 63.0 ml) and puff velocity (81.6ml/s vs. 58.2ml/s) were greater after the NDD than Own Brand, whereas inter-puff interval and puff duration were similar. Subjects rated the NDD as less satisfying (5.2 vs. 9.8), less rewarding (9.5 vs. 14.3), and more aversive (5.0 vs. 3.1) than their own brand. The results of this study indicate that this NDD exposes the user to significant quantities of nicotine, CO, and possibly other harmful components of tobacco smoke. The findings further validate the use of a topography device as an effective instrument to quantify smoke exposure.