It's latex (rubber) sap straight from the tree. It is whipped into a foam poured into a mold and baked. It is supportive and springy/bouncy unlike memory foam, but it still contours to your body. The latex foam doesn't break down and sag like memory foam from what I have read. I have only had my mattress and pillows for about 2 years, so I can't really comment much on the actual longevity. Also I have never had a solid latex pillow only shredded so I can't say much about those.