There are two types of nicotine patches: 1  16-hour patches are for light-to-average smokers. 2  24-hour patches provide a more constant dose of nicotine to help you resist cigarette smoking throughout the day and night, but the chance of side effects is higher.he nicotine patch is available at a wide variety of stores and has an average cost per day of $4. There are two types of nicotine patches: 1  16-hour patches are for light-to-average smokers. 2  They are less likely to cause side effects, but don’t help with morning cigarette cravings.