The present disclosure is generally directed to hydrogel-fibrous web composites that can be used in a variety of applications. For instance, the hydrogel-fibrous web composite can be used in the same applications as the base fibrous web, without the addition of the hydrogel, when it is desired to increase the moisture or water absorbency of the web. The hydrogel polymer is integral to the fibers of the web. Thus, the hydrogel allows the web to absorb water or moisture (including water vapor) to a much greater extend than the web alone. The present disclosure is also generally directed to methods of integrating a hydrogel polymer into a fibrous web.