It makes it a lot harder for them to dig and bury themselves because of the large pieces (I have tried it and did not like it, more suitable for larger species IMO)
You can use coco coir which is a fine grade and it will work perfectly (reptile prime which is ready to use, or echo earth which comes in bricks but will need to be prepared and dyed out before use)
I've tried it as well. I've also tried eco earth and aspen.
Although I personally don't like aspen, it seems to be what works best for Cosmo, so I use that for my lil' hognose buddy.
Is reptichip ok to use as substrate for a western hog?
I just switched from PP towel to Eco-Earth FINE coconut husk for my BP and she LOVES it. SUPER easy for her to borrow in, the pieces are not nearly even CLOSE to large enough to cause impaction, and it holds humidity wonderfully, AND is fairly easy to clean up! it also has a fresh, earthy smell to it which I enjoy