Using a different substrate will go a long way with raising humidity. A coconut coir substrate like eco earth is what I use. I personally blend eco earth and Repti bark and have used it for years.
And you're confusing thermoMETER with thermoSTAT.
Thermometers only read temperatures. Thermostats control it. Just like the ones in houses. You set the thermostat to the desired temperature and it prevents dangerous heat spikes which can cause serious burns or worse to your snake. Heat spikes can even kill snakes.