They get "directly sprayed" in the jungle. They may not like being sprayed, but they need water - period.
The only method I've heard that was alarming, I know a guy who never saw his panther drink, so when ever he put his hand in the cage, he'd wait till his cham hissed in defense, and then he'd spray him in the mouth.
I didn't think about it at the time, but that could really cause upper resp infection, since it's possible to spray right into the lungs. I'd avoid that.
I bought a mister this year and now my cham very rarely get's direct spray as far as I can tell, but he remains to be very hydrated.
The goal should be to make water as available as possible. To me that means on the lips, so he all he has to do is lick.