I have a bubble-wrap envelope that doesn't have the outer paper layer. Can I use it to send a book?

When I send Hard Covers, I use left over bubble wrap inside of paper with lots of tape. Dont see why you woulnt be able to use it as long as the book is secure and addressed correctly

Thanks Cheryl. I'm trying to figure out why I'm hesitant to do this. Maybe it's because the "bubbles" are exposed? Thus easier to be  popped? But does that really matter, since it's just a book anyway, and not breakable?

I have gotten books wrapped in nothing more than a transparent bubble mailer. They held up fine.

I would put paper or tape over it if it isn't a smooth outside. Any bumpiness will give machines something to grab on to.

I've received books in a transparent 'bubble' sleeve thingy, but always as an underwrap inside of an outer wrap...like a manilla or tyvek envelope.  For myself, not sure I'd use the bubble material alone as an outer wrapper...something about the plastic seems like it would 'stick' to USPS sorting machinery. 

I've received a few just bubble wrapped books with no problem; however they were pretty "mummified" to keep those pesky PO machines from eating them.

-RD

Could you turn the bubble envelope inside out, so that the bubbles are on the inside and the smooth side is out?  If so, that's what I'd do.  I've gotten them like this before, but the smooth side was out.  Arrived just fine!

You might ask the question in the USPS Postal Regulations forum.  Several of the people there are more familiar with the inner workings of the USPS Samsonite gorilla and will know if the wrapper will arrive whole.

Other than some concern over if it will arrive intact I see no problems with it.  I wrapped a book in an old flower box (clear plastic) when it was going to Wyoming (back when everything was disappearing there due to over-patrolling the Media Mail), but it was semi-hard plastic though.

Thanks truckermonkey. I'll check in USPS forum. and thanks to all for suggestions and comments!