Is oil-free softwood bedding okay for rats?

I've read that kiln dried pine is safe to use as the high heat burns off the harmful phenols that the wood normally releases. However, cedar is NEVER ok. It's toxic no matter how it's dried, so I'd find out what's really in that softwood bedding. I personally wouldn't risk using any soft woods since there is such controversial and differing opinions on it. Aspen shouldn't cost much more, and it's safe, unless you're getting hairless rats in which case you'd need carefresh ultra or fleece :) good luck! Rats are great pets!