A cigarette filter for removing gas phase constituents from mainstream cigarette smoke as the smoke is drawn through the filter primarily comprises an activated carbon fiber filter section including a bundle of activated carbon fibers. Particulate adsorbent materials such as granules, beads or course powders may be dispersed amongst the activated carbon fibers to aid in removal of the gas phase constituents. Additionally, the activated carbon fiber filter section may be used in combination with a separate bed or beds of particulate adsorbent material. In one embodiment, the activated carbon fibers are positioned within a helical groove on the outside of a threaded rod within the activated carbon fiber filter section. Relatively smaller amounts of activated carbon fibers produce the same smoke constituent reduction as larger amounts of particulate adsorbent material.