help with a Japanese futon

Calica

I have been sleeping on a traditional Japanese futon for about a year. I love it, but lately I've been waking up congested and sneezing. This is exacerbated by the fact that I like to sleep on my stomach, so my face is practically mashed into the thing.

I did my research before I bought it. I know you're supposed to air a cotton futon outdoors at least once a week. I also knew I would not be able to do this. I read that weekly airing is much more crucial in Japan, where it's very humid, and that in a drier climate it would be fine to "air" it indoors. This means it doesn't get the benefit of direct sunlight, though.

I don't have the means to hang it over something for proper air circulation. For one thing, it's too heavy and floppy and awkward to lift by myself. (I am a physically small person and I live alone.) For another, I don't have anything sturdy enough to hang it on. Best I can do is lay it out flat.

Apart from regular vacuuming, what can I do to control dust mites or whatever else is making me sneeze? The futon is the 4" version of this.

Elvenshae

Not sure how stable it is laterally, or if it will collapse under its own weight, but is it possible to get it on its side and lean it against the wall or something, and then just put a fan blowing down the tunnel you just created?

Iruka

Not being able to lift it is a bit of a kicker. If you can prop it up on the wall, maybe you can also beat the hell out of it too, like a rug, to rustle it up a bit.

You can also get bed frame slats completely separate from a frame, and these will fold and store pretty nicely. If you can at least drag the mattress, you might be able to get it onto these and get a bunch of fans going to get some air under it?

Calica

It isn't stiff enough to lean against a wall, no. It's quite floppy.

Technically I can get a shoulder under it and pick it up, but I can't manipulate it other than by dragging it. I simply don't have the reach.

edit: and I don't think moisture is the problem, exactly. Sunlight disinfects with UV and heat, and I don't have a good substitute for that.

Burtletoy

You can absolutely get a UV light bulb for disinfecting, but be very very careful, that shit can give you skin cancer and cataracts, etc.

Gnizmo

Is a cover for it not viable in some way? I am not at all familiar with futons at all so I am aware this might be an incredibly ridiculous idea. I do have a lot of problems with allergies and bedding though. Getting a dust proof covering has been a life changing experience. Just having a single layer I can wash in hot water periodically makes a world of difference. I suspect I am not telling you anything new, but figured it might be worth a shot.

cckerberos

You can try a futon dryer like this.