Double masking as coronavirus variants spread, where to find the right masks

Scroll through these masks available online now to stock up for mask layering.

Double masking is a hot topic these days, with people looking for extra protection against coronavirus as new variants of the disease continue to take hold and spread across the United States and in Michigan.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said in an interview on NBC News’ TODAY show recently that wearing two face masks at once very likely offers the wearer extra protection against contracting the COVID-19 and its variants.

Masks provide physical barriers and keep a person's respiratory droplets from spreading to other people. Double-masking has a few different options. One is wearing a disposable paper or surgical mask, then layering a cloth mask over it. Or you can look for a multi-layered mask that offers more protection than a single-ply design. Some people even wear a lightweight paper mask over an N95 mask.

"So if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on, it just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective," Fauci told TODAY. "That's the reason why you see people either double masking or doing a version of an N95."

N95 and KN95 masks are considered the ultimate type of protection and are worn most often by medical personnel, though they can also be purchased online.

RELATED: Where to get your N95, KN95 face masks for better coronavirus protection

Virus variants have gotten a lot of attention in Michigan in the last week after the University of Michigan and Washtenaw County Health Department recommended all students living on or near the Ann Arbor campus stay in place at their campus-area addresses through Feb. 7.

In the last few weeks, UM has identified 175 COVID-19 cases in students – 14 of which have been determined to be the B.1.1.7. variant, the release states.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet recommended double-masking as a way to keep from getting COVID-19, the health agency does recommend wearing snug-fitting masks that are made with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.

So if you’re considering upping your protection level and joining the ranks of double-maskers, here are some good places to find those supplies online:

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Disposable Masks:

Non Woven Thick 3-Layers Breathable Facial Masks with Adjustable Ear loop, Mouth and Nose Cover (50 masks). $9.99 at Amazon

Disposable Face Mask with Nose Clip and Ear Loops. (100-piece). $18.99 at Amazon

Basic Equipment 3-Ply Disposable Face Masks, 25 ct. $7.99 at Walmart

50 Disposable Face Masks, 3-ply Breathable Dust Protection Masks, Elastic Ear Loop Filter Mask. $9.30 at Walmart

Colorful Youth Face Mask (40-Pack). $9.88 at Home Depot

Face Masks 50 PCS Children Disposable 3 Ply Cotton Fabric w/ Elastic Ear Loop. $8.99 at Walmart

(Photos via Old Navy)

Cloth Masks:

3PCS Cotton Face Mouth Mask Cool Mesh Cloth 3 Layers Facial Reusable Washable Nose Bridge Wire Black for Women Men. $15.99 at Amazon

Variety 5-Pack of Triple-Layer Cloth Pleated Face Masks for Adults (with Ear Adjusters) $12.50 at Old Navy

Variety 10-Pack of Triple-Layer Cloth Pleated Face Masks for Adults (with Ear Adjusters) $25.00 at Old Navy

Blancho Bedding [Black] Unisex Mouth Mask Cotton. $18.13 at Sears

Hanes Wicking Cotton Masks, 10 Pack. $19.50 at Walmart

DALIX Cloth Face Mask Reuseable Washable in Black Made in USA - L-XL Size (3 Pack). $12.95 at Walmart

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Multi-Layer Masks:

Bio-th Face Masks, Reusable 20 Pack, 5 Layers Disposable Face Masks Adult (Pack of 20). $20.99 at Amazon

3 Ply Surgical Face Mask - LEVEL 2 - Adult Medical Grade (50 Pack) $19.99 at N95 Medical Supplies

3 Ply Black Face Mask (50 Pack) $19.99 at N95 Medical Supplies

(Graphic by Nicolette Accardi | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)Amazon and PHG

N95 and KN95 Masks:

N95 NIOSH Masks ALG Hard Cup Shell (25 Pack) $99.99 at N95 Medical Supplies

N95 NIOSH Masks ALG Soft Shell (20 Pack) $79.99 at N95 Medical Supplies

KN95 Face Mask 50 Pack, 5-Layer Breathable Cup Dust Mask with Elastic Earloop and Nose Bridge Clip. $89.74 at Amazon

KN95 5 Layer Respirator Mask (10-Pack). $23.98 at Home Depot

KN95 Protective Face Mask CE Certified (5-Pack). $16.98 at Home Depot

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