Abstract: A compact disk protector for an optical data storage disk includes a thin, transparent sheet having an inside diameter being larger than an inner hole of the disk and the sheet extending within and being bounded by a main region for placement against a first side of the disk, and approximately 24 circumferentially spaced support portions extending radially outwardly from the main region to a distance being greater than a thickness of the disk beyond the disk outside diameter. Each support portion has a bridge width being not greater than 2 percent of the disk outside diameter within a bridge region that is concentric with the inside diameter and extends from the disk outside diameter radially outwardly a distance corresponding to the disk thickness.