How to heat better

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Hey Y'all!
I am going to move my ball python into a Sterilite Plastic Container soon, and needed some advice. If I am using a heat mat (Zoo Med) as my only source of heat (It is 1/3 the size of the container), how should I place my aspen to allow the most heat to reach the top. I want to put 1 layer of paper towel on the bottom of the container (to prevent burns) and then lay some aspen on top. How much aspen should I put so that enough heat goes from the heat mat, through the container bottom, through the paper towel, and onto the top of the aspen so that the aspen reaches temps of higher than 85 degrees Fareighnite.
Thanks,
HenryTheSnake

A layer of paper towel will not prevent burns or fire hazard the only thing that does is a RELIABLE Thermostat.