Abstract: This invention comprises a compressor valve wherein the area of the tapered port in the inlet seat is larger than the area of the tapered exhaust port in the plates and guard. In addition, the exhaust ports are formed in the plate and guard around the respective inlet ports in the form of a staggered annulus. The larger open area in the seat enables the plate to be opened with lower pressure loss and the staggered annulus configuration produces substantially more open area through the valve for reduced plate lift and improved breathing.There is also disclosed a second embodiment of the invention which utilizes pins for aligning and guiding movable and flexible discs between the seat and guard.