Purpose The use of disposable absorbent products by community-dwelling people with fecal incontinence was described. Differences in product use or evaluation based on sex, age, or severity of fecal incontinence were evaluated. Suggestions for modifying absorbent products to be more suitable for fecal incontinence were described. Methods A survey was administered to 189 community-living individuals with fecal incontinence at the start of a clinical trial about the effects of dietary fiber on fecal incontinence Results An absorbent product was used to manage fecal incontinence by 45% (86/189) of respondents. More women (88%, 76/86, p = .009) and older persons 65+ years (44%, 38/86, p = .001) wore an absorbent product. Participants who wore an absorbent product for fecal incontinence had a higher (worse) usual fecal incontinence severity score (median 4.75, range 1–27, p = .006). Sixty three users wore pantiliners and were the only ones who used more than three products per day. Feminine hygiene products were worn more than incontinence products. Half of users were satisfied with the product they used. Evaluations of product features differed by type of product; odor control had some of the lowest ratings. Conclusions Community-living individuals with FI, especially women and older individuals, tend to wear absorbent products. Perceptions of FI severity, preference, leakage of liquid stool, and presence of urinary incontinence influence the product type and pattern of wear. Participants report that modification of several features of absorbent products might make them more suitable for FI and increase satisfaction.