Me and my friend took Salvia mixed with weed in a joint a few months ago because our bong was being ordered in at the time and we were both not expecting much from taking it in from the joint itself. Surprisingly it worked and hit my friend hardest causing him to have a breakthrough but he recently took a higher dose of saliva holding it in for a good period of time in the bong we received but to mine and his confusion no trip or effects were felt especially considering its a reverse tolerance drug. I heard that holding the flame directly on the saliva in the bowl causes it not to work so could this be why it did not work and are there any other tips you can give me in order to gain maximum efficiency from a hit thanks.

I don't think it has any secrets. Put in the bowl the desired amount (ideally weighed, specially if we're talking about extracts), exhale, light the bowl (a torch, butane lighter works better), inhale slowly and as soon as the bowl contents look well lit, inhale deep. Hold for 20+ seconds, repeat if desired and if you are still human.

I don't know, I've read that cannabis can have some synergies with salvia. Maybe you used a small dosage the second time, or it was not properly inhaled, and the first one your friend smoked harder and also got a little cannabic boost.

Salvinorin A has a fairly high vaporization temperature. It is best to keep the flame over the extract the entire time one is inhaling. It’s also important to hold the hit in for as long as possible. Some people regulate the depth of experience by smoking the same amount every time, but varying how long they hold it in.

The smoking technique can be the same between users and produce wildly different effects, especially in the beginning. Most of all, Salvia takes perseverance and patience. Just keep trying, listen to the advice already given, and you'll get there.

I have been smoking out of my bong with water in it and a bic lighter,with mixed results.
On my last try I ditched the water and just smoked out of the dry bong,all I can say is wow
the difference was night and day.One of the deepest experiences I have ever had.