Home dialysis offers two main treatment options: home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Both modalities provide flexibility by allowing treatments outside of a clinic setting, but they require a careful assessment of a user’s living space. The physical size of the equipment and necessary supplies are a primary concern. While these home units are smaller than machines found in dialysis centers, users must still plan for the physical footprint of the equipment and related logistics.
Comparing the Size of Home Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Devices
The physical size of the machine differs substantially between the two types of home dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis utilizes a cycler, which is generally a compact, tabletop device. A common PD cycler, such as the HomeChoice system, measures approximately 7 inches high, 19.5 inches wide, and 15.7 inches deep, weighing around 27 pounds. This desktop-sized machine is typically placed on a nightstand or small table and is primarily used at night while the patient sleeps.
In contrast, HHD machines manage the complex process of blood purification, resulting in a larger physical profile. Some HHD systems, like the Tablo device, integrate water purification and measure about 33.5 inches tall, 17.5 inches wide, and 19 inches deep, weighing nearly 200 pounds. These dimensions make it comparable to a compact washing machine, though the unit is usually mounted on wheels for easier movement.
Other HHD systems use a modular approach, such as the NxStage System One, which is a portable unit measuring 15 inches on each side, weighing 70 pounds. This component is often paired with the PureFlow SL unit, which is about the size of a small end table, measuring 19 inches high, 20 inches wide, and 26 inches deep. The difference in size between these modalities results from their operational complexity, with HHD requiring more internal components for blood and fluid management.
Beyond the Machine: Supply Storage and Auxiliary Equipment
While the machine takes up a designated treatment area, the largest space requirement for home dialysis is dedicated to storing monthly supply deliveries. For peritoneal dialysis, patients receive large shipments of sterile dialysate solution bags, often delivered in approximately 30 large boxes each month. This volume of solution, along with cassettes and tubing, typically requires a dedicated closet-sized space or a substantial area for stable, vertical stacking.
Home hemodialysis also requires significant storage, though the nature of the supplies varies depending on the machine. Systems that use pre-packaged dialysate, like the NxStage System One, require storage for boxes of 5-liter dialysate bags, cartridges, and tubing. For systems that generate dialysate from tap water, such as the Tablo, the bulk storage shifts to boxes of cartridges and concentrate.
Some HHD setups necessitate an auxiliary component for water purification, which adds to the total footprint. Older HHD machines often require a separate Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit to create the ultra-pure water needed for treatment. These portable RO units can be substantial, with some models measuring over 46 inches tall and weighing more than 130 pounds. Newer integrated systems like the PureFlow SL combine the purification function into a smaller, end-table-sized unit that is placed near the dialysis machine.
Practical Placement and Necessary Dedicated Space
The operational location for a home dialysis machine must be carefully chosen, taking into account floor space and surrounding infrastructure. A dedicated area is necessary to ensure the machine is not frequently moved and remains in a clean environment, often away from high traffic areas or pets. The surface where the machine sits should be stable. Clinicians recommend avoiding carpeted areas to simplify cleaning and maintenance.
Electrical requirements are a significant consideration for both modalities. HHD machines, in particular, may require a dedicated, grounded electrical outlet to handle the power load. For water-intensive HHD systems, the machine must be placed in proximity to a reliable water source and a drain capable of handling the outflow of used dialysate and reject water.
The physical placement must also allow for adequate operational clearance around the unit. Technicians and patients need enough space to safely access the machine for setup, monitoring, and disinfection procedures. Environmental factors, such as proper ventilation and maintaining a stable room temperature, are important for the machine’s function and the integrity of stored supplies.