Home dialysis (HHD) allows patients to manage kidney treatment at home, but the physical footprint of the equipment is a major concern. Although modern home machines are smaller than clinic units, they still require considerable space. Preparing your home involves understanding the difference between the machine’s size and the overall area needed for supplies and infrastructure. The total space required extends beyond the central device and includes storage for consumables, water treatment components, and a safe treatment area.
Dimensions of Home Hemodialysis Machines
The size of a home hemodialysis machine varies substantially, particularly depending on whether it includes an integrated water purification system. Portable models, like the NxStage System One cycler, resemble a small carry-on suitcase. This machine measures roughly 15 inches high, 15 inches wide, and 15 inches deep, weighing about 70 pounds. This compact size allows it to be easily moved within the home or taken along for travel.
Other systems, such as the Tablo machine, integrate the water purification component directly into the console, resulting in a larger, but still mobile, footprint. The Tablo unit stands approximately 33.5 inches tall, 17.5 inches wide, and 19 inches deep, weighing about 195 pounds. This all-in-one design eliminates the need for separate water purification equipment, simplifying the setup in the treatment area. Older or less common units, like the Fresenius 2008K@home, are taller and heavier, standing around 52 inches high and weighing 160 pounds.
The size difference often depends on the dialysate generation method. Machines using pre-packaged bags of dialysate are smaller but require more storage space for the fluid bags. Models that generate dialysate on demand from tap water, like the Tablo, are larger consoles but reduce the need for bulky fluid storage. The physical dimensions of the machine are only one part of the equation, as other components must be considered for the complete setup.
Space Requirements for Ancillary Equipment
The machine is only a fraction of the total footprint, as home dialysis requires considerable space for ancillary equipment and consumables. Patients typically need an inventory of supplies sufficient for approximately six weeks of treatment, necessitating a dedicated storage area. These supplies include specialized cartridges, tubing sets, syringes, needles, and a large volume of dialysate solution or the components to create it.
Systems that use a separate dialysate preparation unit, like the NxStage PureFlow SL, add significant bulk, measuring about 19 inches high, 20 inches wide, and 26 inches deep. This unit is often placed near the cycler but may need its own dedicated space on a cart or counter. A small closet or large shelving unit is necessary to organize the numerous boxes and items, often utilizing vertical space. Supplies can be stacked or stored in plastic bins, which helps maximize space efficiency within the home.
Practical Considerations for Installation
Beyond the equipment’s physical size, the home environment must be modified for safe and effective operation. The machine requires a stable, properly grounded electrical outlet. Some systems necessitate a dedicated 20-amp circuit to handle the electrical load, which may require professional installation. The electrical outlet is typically required to be within six feet of the machine’s location to prevent the unsafe use of extension cords.
Plumbing requirements are also a factor, as the system needs access to a clean water source and a place to drain the used fluids. For systems that create dialysate on-demand, a connection to the home’s plumbing is required, often near a sink or utility area. The drain for waste fluids must be within a certain distance, generally up to 20 feet if using bagged dialysate or up to 40 feet for systems with a separate preparation unit. The treatment room itself needs to accommodate the machine, the patient’s chair or bed, and enough clear space for a care partner to maneuver safely during treatment.