You can choose the type of peritoneal dialysis that best fits your life:

• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)
• Automated peritoneal dialysis

The main differences between the two types of peritoneal dialysis are:

• the schedule of exchanges
• one uses a machine and the other is done by hand

If one type of peritoneal dialysis doesn’t suit you, talk with your doctor about trying the other type.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

CAPD doesn’t use a machine. You do the exchanges during the day by hand.

You can do exchanges by hand in any clean, well-lit place. Each exchange takes about 30 to 40 minutes. During an exchange, you can read, talk, watch television, or sleep. With CAPD, you keep the solution in your belly for 4 to 6 hours or more. The time that the dialysis solution is in your belly is called the dwell time. Usually, you change the solution at least four times a day and sleep with solution in your belly at night. You do not have to wake up at night to do an exchange.

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD):

A machine does the exchanges while you sleep .With automated peritoneal dialysis, a machine called a cycler fills and empties your belly three to five times during the night. In the morning, you begin the day with fresh solution in your belly. You may leave this solution in your belly all day or do one exchange in the middle of the afternoon without the machine.

You can do both CAPD and automated peritoneal dialysis in any clean, private place, including at home, at work, or when travelling.