Coco-soft makes a super fine substrate mix. I think blue Iguana is the brand name. The fine chip is still too much but the ultra fine might work. Nothing is safer than paper towels. I've said it several times on the board, and many times on others. Don't make yourself happy at the animals expense. Crested geckos grow so rapidly you'll have him on real bedding in a few short months. Plus you really want to see how often he's using the restroom to make sure no impaction has occurred.