Platform 4 refers to our next generation e-vapor products, which are battery-powered devices that produce an aerosol by vaporizing a nicotine-containing liquid. Our e-vapor products comprise devices using current generation technology and our new e-vapor mesh technology that addresses certain challenges presented by some e-vapor products currently on the market.
Our Platform 4 products are designed to ensure the consistency and quality of the generated aerosol.
Follow the animation to see Platform 4's MESH technology in action
Classic e-vapor products
Classic e-cigarettes use a “coil & wick” system to heat a nicotine-containing solution. The wick draws the nicotine-containing liquid onto a coil-heating element to heat the liquid and create a vaporized aerosol. In these systems, the temperature of the heater can vary significantly depending on how strongly the e-cigarette is puffed. Several studies have shown that puffing on an e-cigarette when the liquid level is low results in "dry-puffs" that can drastically change the chemistry of the aerosol. Under these conditions, the levels of a number of harmful chemicals are significantly higher1,2 compared to levels found in e-cigarettes that have sufficient liquid.
IQOS VEEV
Our latest e-vapor product uses closed-system e-liquid pods to prevent tampering and liquid leakage. The mouthpiece and a heating element are built into each replaceable pod to maintain product hygiene. The heating element is a metallic woven mesh with tiny holes to heat the pre-filled pre-sealed pod. Three main elements were further developed to make our latest e-vapor product a more acceptable smoke-free alternative: the mesh technology, the puff activated heating, and the low liquid detection system.
The MESH
Technology
The current generation wick is eliminated and the coil is replaced by a metal mesh. When the liquid is introduced to the mesh heater the increased surface area provided by the mesh material helps heat the liquid in a more consistent way than current generation coil & wick systems.
Puff-Activated
Heating
The temperature of the heater is maintained between 200-220 °C, rather than varying depending on the puff strength.
Low-Liquid
Detection
The “low-liquid detection system” will cut off the power supplied to the mesh heater once the level of the liquid has dropped below a certain level, eliminating overheating and "dry-puffs", which is responsible for the creation of higher levels of harmful chemicals 1,2.
*Source: Average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette (3R4F).
We have scientifically demonstrated that using our e-cigarettes indoors, when permitted, has no negative effect on overall air quality.
[1] Hidden Formaldehyde in E-Cigarette Aerosols
Hidden Formaldehyde in E-Cigarette Aerosols
Jensen, R. P., et al. (2015). "Hidden Formaldehyde in E-Cigarette Aerosols." New England Journal of Medicine 372(4): 392-394.
How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease: A Report of the Surgeon General.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease—The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease: A Report of the Surgeon General, Atlanta (GA): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health (2010).
