Different Kinds of Bedding

Hi there! This is my first time posting a topic and I have a question concerning different types of bedding.

I first purchased Piyoko in July, from an exotic pet shop owner a little over two hours away from Miami. It was well worth the drive (and the $100 alone for gas); but on my way home, I noticed that he seemed to be throwing up what looked to be like aspen bedding. As the owner purchased him from a breeder, and that the hedgehog was kept on astroturf in the shop, I knew the owner had done nothing wrong. So, when it came to deciding what type of bedding to use, I decided to use astroturf. Nothing wrong came of it, but I as time went on, I felt bad seeing him claw at the astroturf, as if he wanted to burrow.

After a month of Summer vacation, I went back to college in Gainesville. A few months later, I met someone who had a hedgehog and spoke to him about the kind of bedding he used. I explained to him how I used astroturf and how he often clawed at it at night, and he told me to use CareFresh. I researched SEVERAL websites and found that CareFresh had been claimed to be "the safest litter", but some hedgehogs were known to choke. I then checked pictures on hedgehog cages, and, once again, quite a number of people had seemed to use it. The next trip to the store, I decided to buy some. For the next few days, I put some in, aware that some hedgehogs had been known to have problems, and found that everything was a-ok! He never put any in his mouth, and, as weeks progressed, I put a little bit more and more. Still, I checked several times a day when he wasn't sleeping, to make sure everything was fine. 3 months later (about 2 weeks ago), I'm in class for no more than 2 hours, and as soon as I get back to my dorm, he's dead. He's on his side with a piece of CareFresh in his mouth. After 3 months of having no problems, he's dead? :/ He had more than enough food, more than enough water, and I just cannot comprehend as to why he decided now, of all times. I'm absolutely torn, I have no idea where I went wrong, and I can't help but blame myself over and over again on how I'm a terrible owner.

My Mother has asked several times if I've wanted to get another one, but now I'm not so sure as I don't know what to do in terms of bedding. I had checked online with interest in using aspen, but I still don't understand why he was throwing some up when I first got him. Does anyone have any information on that?

I also know quite a number of people use liners, but as I live on a campus with two other roommates; having to wash them daily, or at least have to set them aside and use different ones until I wash them, isn't that good of an option.

So, if any of you could be so kind as to share your experiences with different kinds of bedding; aspen, astroturf, pellets, fleece, what have you; I would more than appreciate it.

Thank you in advance.