Substrate question

Right now I use paper towels for my 1yr old bp and my new baby common boa. I'd like to make things a bit more realistic looking so I was thinking of using the coconut fibre substrate, as I buy it already for other critters. I just wondered what the dangers are and how to avoid them.

Here's what I'm thinkin.
I've heard it can be swallowed. I feed them both in their enclosures and I don't really want to get out of that. Would it be safer if I were to pack it all down while moist, so that when it dries it's almost a solid block? I figure that'd make for easy cleanup as the poop/urates would stay on top and all I'd have to do is dig that section up and replace it with new, damp fibre. I also thought that would keep them from ingesting it. Your thoughts?

Also, I've been told (elsewhere) that the coconut fibre could actually clog the heat pits in some snakes if they decided to burrow (which my bp seems to like to do). How would I avoid that?

I've used the green reptile turf before and I just can't stand washing that out, not to mention if they pee, it's virtually undetectable til the odor becomes overpowering. Other than that I haven't really tried anything except the paper towels. Any input is much appreciated

The coconut fiber is fine, and won't be a problem if your snake ingests a little bit of it while eating. No need to pack it down.

Also, I'm not sure if it would be easier to clean if it was packed down. The stuff absorbs pretty fast, so you would have to replace whichever amount get soiled no matter if it was packed or not.

As far as clogging the heat pits... :confused: I've never heard of such a thing.