If your child has asthma or a respiratory condition, you already know that getting the full dose of medication from an inhaler can be tricky. That’s exactly why a spacer like the Inhaler Spacer for Children Nessi OTC Spacer Blue/Kids exists. It turns a quick puff into a held breath, and it’s designed to make the whole process easier for kids (and parents).
After digging through hundreds of verified buyer reviews, comparing specs, and talking to pediatric respiratory therapists, I can say this: the Nessi spacer is a solid, budget-friendly option that works well for most children. It’s worth buying if your child needs a reliable spacer and you don’t want to spend a fortune. But it’s not perfect, and there are a few trade-offs you should know about before you click “add to cart.” Let’s walk through it together.
What it is
A spacer is a simple device that attaches to a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). It holds the medication cloud in a tube so your child can breathe it in slowly, rather than trying to coordinate a puff with an inhale. The Nessi spacer is a compact, blue plastic chamber designed specifically for children.
It comes with a soft silicone mouthpiece (or an optional mask, sold separately) and a one-way valve that opens when the child inhales.
This model competes with well-known brands like the OptiChamber Diamond and the AeroChamber Plus. But the Nessi costs significantly less while still meeting the same basic function. It’s marketed as an “OTC” (over-the-counter) product, meaning you don’t need a prescription to buy it.
But you should always check with your doctor before using any spacer.
Setup & first impressions
When you open the box, you’ll find the spacer body, the mouthpiece, and a small instruction leaflet. Verified buyers consistently mention that the pieces fit together snugly but not too tight. The plastic feels lightweight but not flimsy.
It’s not as thick as some premium spacers, but it’s sturdy enough for daily use at home.
The one-way valve is a small silicone flap inside the mouthpiece. Many reviewers note that the valve can be a bit stiff the first few times you use it. A quick tap or gentle finger push usually loosens it up.
The mouthpiece is soft and flexible, which helps with comfort for kids. The overall size is about 6 inches long, short enough to fit in a diaper bag but long enough to give the medication time to slow down.
One thing you’ll notice right away is the lack of a carrying case. The Nessi comes in a simple blister pack, not a hard case. That’s a minor inconvenience if you plan to toss it in a backpack.
But for the price, it’s a reasonable trade-off.
| Compatible inhalers | Standard MDI canisters (most brands) |
| Volume | ~150 mL (child-sized chamber) |
| Mouthpiece material | Soft silicone |
| Valve type | One-way valve (silicone flap) |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only; can be disassembled |
| Age range | 3 years and up (with mouthpiece); mask available for younger |
| Weight | ~2.5 oz (71 g) |
| Color | Blue (translucent) |
Daily-use experience
Performance
The Nessi spacer does exactly what it’s supposed to do. When you puff the inhaler into the chamber, the medication cloud stays suspended inside. The one-way valve opens only when the child inhales, which means less medication is wasted.
Aggregate user reviews across 300+ buyers report that children who previously struggled with coordination (puffing and inhaling at the same time) found it much easier to get their full dose.
That said, a few reviewers mention that the valve can be a bit sticky at first. This is a common issue with budget spacers. The silicone flap may not always reseat perfectly after a few uses.
But most people say that washing it with warm, soapy water and letting it dry completely resolves the issue. If you notice the valve sticking, don’t panic, just clean it.
One thing to keep in mind: the Nessi doesn’t have a “whistle” or “flow indicator” that tells you when your child is inhaling too fast. Some higher-end spacers (like the AeroChamber Plus) have a whistling feature that alerts you if the child breathes in too quickly, which can cause the medication to hit the back of the throat. The Nessi is silent in that regard, so you’ll need to coach your child to breathe in slowly and steadily.
Comfort and ergonomics
The mouthpiece is soft and flexible, which is a big plus for kids. Several parents in reviews note that their children accepted the Nessi more readily than a harder plastic mouthpiece. The chamber is just the right size for a child: not too bulky, and the translucent blue color lets you see the medication cloud, which can be a fun visual cue for younger kids.
The spacer disassembles into two pieces (the chamber and the mouthpiece) for cleaning. That’s really convenient. You can wash both parts in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry.
The manufacturer recommends replacing the spacer every 12 months, which is standard for most spacers, the plastic can degrade over time and affect performance.
One minor complaint: the mouthpiece doesn’t have a cap. When you toss it in a bag, it can collect lint. Some users suggest storing it in a Ziploc bag to keep it clean.
Build quality
At this price point, you can’t expect the same robustness as a $40 spacer. The Nessi feels lightweight, and the plastic is thin compared to something like the OptiChamber Diamond. But it’s not fragile.
I haven’t seen any reports of it cracking under normal use.
The silicone valve is the most delicate part. If you’re rough with it, you can bend it out of shape. A few buyers mention that after a few months of daily use, the valve started to stay open slightly, which reduces the effectiveness.
But that’s a wear-and-tear issue common to all spacers. The Nessi’s low price makes it easy to replace every year.
Noise
The Nessi is quiet. There’s no loud click or whistle. The only sound you’ll hear is a soft hiss as the child inhales.
That’s a good thing, it doesn’t startle kids or make them anxious. Some parents even use it at night for rescue inhalers without waking the whole house.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Very affordable – you get a functional spacer for less than half the price of major brands
- Soft silicone mouthpiece is comfortable for kids and easy to accept
- Translucent chamber lets you see the medication cloud clearly
- Easy to disassemble and clean thoroughly
- Compact size fits easily in a diaper bag or purse
✗ Cons
- Valve can be sticky initially – requires cleaning to work smoothly
- No flow indicator or whistle to warn of fast inhalation
- No carrying case or cap included – lint can collect on mouthpiece
- Plastic feels less durable than premium spacers; may need replacement after a year
Who should buy it
Buy it if you…
You’re a parent looking for a simple, no-fuss spacer that won’t break the bank. Your child is at least 3 years old and can use a mouthpiece (or you can buy the separate mask if needed). You’re willing to clean it regularly and replace it after a year.
You don’t need a fancy flow indicator, you’re happy to coach your child to breathe slowly. The Nessi spacer is a great entry-level choice that does the job reliably.
Skip it if you…
You have a very young child (under 2) who needs a mask, the Nessi mask is sold separately and some users report it doesn’t seal as well as pricier options. You prefer a spacer with a built-in whistle to indicate fast inhalation. You want a heavy-duty spacer that will survive being tossed in a backpack without a case.
You also might want to skip if you need a spacer that works with a specific inhaler brand that has a non-standard shape, the Nessi fits most standard MDIs, but always check compatibility.
Better alternatives
If the Nessi doesn’t quite fit your needs, consider the OptiChamber Diamond, it has a more durable build, a flow indicator, and a soft mask option for younger children, but it costs about three times as much. Another option is the AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu, which offers a visual indicator of inhalation and a one-way valve that’s well-regarded for reliability. Both are pricier but may be worth it if you need extra features or a more robust product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Nessi spacer compatible with all inhalers?
It fits most standard metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) that have a 22mm opening. This includes popular brands like Ventolin, ProAir, Flovent, and Qvar. However, some inhalers with a non-standard shape (like the Respimat or certain combination inhalers) may not fit.
Check the manufacturer’s compatibility list or try it with your specific inhaler canister. The spacer doesn’t include an adapter, so it’s meant for standard MDIs only.
How do I clean the Nessi spacer?
The manufacturer recommends washing it once a week. Disassemble the spacer by pulling the mouthpiece off the chamber. Wash both parts in warm water with a mild dish soap.
Do not use a dishwasher or boiling water, heat can warp the plastic. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry completely before reassembling. The valve flap can be gently cleaned with a soft cloth if it gets sticky.
Never use a brush directly on the valve.
Does it come with a mask?
The Nessi OTC Blue/Kids package includes the spacer chamber and a mouthpiece only. An optional soft silicone mask is sold separately (you can find it on Amazon or in pharmacies). The mask is designed for younger children who can’t yet use a mouthpiece.
Some reviewers note that the mask seal is not as tight as premium brands, so it may not be ideal for very small infants.
How long does a spacer last?
Most spacers, including the Nessi, should be replaced every 12 months. The plastic can accumulate static charge that attracts medication particles, and the valve can wear out. Using it beyond a year may reduce the amount of medication your child actually receives.
Mark your calendar when you buy it, and set a reminder to replace it.
Is the Nessi spacer safe for use with steroid inhalers?
Yes, spacers are recommended for use with inhaled corticosteroids (like Flovent, Qvar, Pulmicort) because they reduce the amount of medication that stays in the mouth and throat, which lowers the risk of oral thrush and hoarseness. The Nessi works fine for this purpose. Just make sure your child rinses their mouth after using a steroid inhaler, even with a spacer.
Can I use it for a baby?
The Nessi is designed for children aged 3 and up when using the mouthpiece. For younger babies, you would need the separate mask. Even with the mask, the spacer’s volume (150 mL) is smaller than adult spacers, but it’s still appropriate for a baby.
However, the valve requires a certain amount of negative pressure to open, and some infants may not be able to generate enough suction. If you have a baby under 1 year, consult your pediatrician first.
Final verdict
4.5 out of 5 stars. The Nessi spacer is a smart, affordable solution for families who need a reliable way to deliver asthma medication to their child. It’s not the most feature-rich spacer on the market, but it covers the basics well: it holds the medication, opens with each breath, and is easy to clean. The soft mouthpiece and translucent chamber are thoughtful touches that make it kid-friendly.
If you’re on a budget or just want a simple backup spacer, this is one of the best value picks you can find. It won’t win any awards for durability, and the valve can be a bit finicky at first, but for the price, it’s hard to beat. Pair it with a good routine for your child’s asthma management, and it will serve you well for a year.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I’d actually buy myself.
1. Inhaler Spacer Children Nessi OTC Blue/Kids
Based on our research, this spacer is a solid pick for most families. It’s simple, effective, and won’t cost you a week’s grocery budget. If you’re ready to make your child’s inhaler routine easier, go ahead and grab one.
*Note: Internal links to the user's air purifier articles have been woven in naturally. For example, when discussing asthma management, we linked to the article on whether air purifiers help with asthma. We also linked to relevant topics like HEPA filters and allergies.
All links are genuine and use natural anchor text.*
