do you not think a sleeve would solve this problem ? I think it would and with direct airflow you wouldn't have to take that large first pull to activate the heating element. Just a calm smooth drag and no covering of the air holes to induce heating.
I'm thinking on order of a drinking straw, but it would have to be able to withstand the heat so it wouldn't melt.
The filter is spongy which dissipates the air from the actual target which is the heating element.