I use coco coir, cheap and easy.

I know that many DMVs recommend against paper towels as they can stick to wet rodents and be accidentally ingested with them and they are very hard to digest and can cause impaction. I personally have never seen that but my vet has. The same thing is mentioned in the book,

Pythons of the World, Vol II: BALL PYTHONS Barker and Barker 2006

Lots do I just don't see any benefit over all the other options.