A filter made from a nonwoven spunbond web comprising a plurality of continuous intertwined filaments, each filament having a diameter of about 25 to about 100 microns, predominantly present in the web as loop springs having diameters of about 1 to 3 millimeters. The web is made from a plurality of spunbond filaments laid randomly onto a moving belt. The webs of the present invention find particular utility when formed into cylinders as filters for smoking articles. In the smoking articles, the filters of the invention have a desirable degree of firmness while demonstrating an acceptable pressure drop.