Is IQOS compatible with unofficial heated tobacco sticks?

Can you use unofficial tobacco sticks with IQOS?

The short answer is no. Currently in South Africa there are no similar products to HEETS on the market but even if you travel abroad with your IQOS don’t be tempted to try and use other tobacco sticks in your IQOS device. Not only will you invalidate the guarantee, you might cause damage to the unit, which has been designed to work exclusively with HEETS and is not compatible with other products.

HEETS tobacco sticks and IQOS were – literally – made for one another. Although there are other similar products on the market in other countries you should not be tempted to try them in your IQOS. IQOS devices are intended solely for use by adult smokers looking for an alternative to smoking cigarettes and only by using IQOS with official HEETS will you benefit fully from the volumes of research and development that has gone into creating this suite of smoking alternatives.

Can you use cigarettes in IQOS?

HEETS tobacco sticks should not be confused with cigarettes. At a glance they may look like short cigarettes but any resemblance or similarity ends there. The specially designed HEETS stick uses a plug of tobacco to deliver nicotine but rather than being burned to do so, it is heated to temperatures far lower than cigarettes producing a vapour for inhalation as opposed to smoke. For the full rationale behind only using HEETS with your IQOS device visit the IQOS FAQ section.

Can you use HEETS more than once?

Each HEETS tobacco stick is designed to be used once. The gentle heating process makes the nicotine contained in the tobacco available for inhalation in the form of a flavoured vapour during the course of a single HEETS experience. HEETS are available in South Africa in six flavours.

Can you use HEETS without IQOS?

It’s important to note that HEETS are not cigarettes. Cigarettes contain shredded tobacco leaves and a range of other compounds and chemicals that are burned and inhaled releasing a pungent and toxic smoke in the process. HEETS on the other hand, although they contain a plug of fine-quality tobacco, have been specifically designed for use in the IQOS smoke-free device, which gently heats the tobacco in the HEETS stick to create a nicotine vapour – not smoke -- and emits 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes*, while retaining the levels of satisfaction adult smokers require. IQOS is not risk free. It contains nicotine and is addictive.

Important information: It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk.
IQOS is not risk-free.

*Average reduction in levels of a broad range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette (3R4F).