What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mattress
Example
I need to buy a new mattress because my old one is too lumpy. [mattress: noun]
Example
She was lying on the mattress, staring at the ceiling. [mattress: noun]
bed
Example
I love my new bed frame with the built-in storage drawers. [bed: noun]
Example
I'm going to bed early tonight because I have an early morning tomorrow. [bed: noun]
Example
We need to get a bigger bed because our feet hang off the end of the queen size. [bed: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bed is more commonly used than mattress in everyday language. Bed is a versatile word that can refer to the furniture itself or the place where one sleeps, while mattress is more specific and refers only to the cushioned pad that provides support and comfort for sleeping.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mattress and bed?
Both mattress and bed are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
