Mainly I see it because people like it for it's looks, the fact that it can raise humidity, or their own personal cleaning preference. I use paper towels for my snakes. One thing I do notice is bedding is nice for absorbing water from a bp who likes to tip over his water bowl. I find he comes more in contact with water all over his cage if he's on paper towels, but I'm always right there to change it quickly so it isn't that big of a deal. He just needs a dog bowl for water and I've been too lazy to get it!