Apneic oxygenation technology has been widely used in the management of difficult airway in emergency department and anesthesiology department, and special patient surgery in the recent years. Apneic oxygenation technology refers to a method where a high concentration of oxygen is administered at a high flow through the airway when the body has no repertory exercises, so as to facilitate oxygen exchange in the alveoli, provide passive oxygen in apneic patients and extend the duration of safe apneic time. This article introduces the physiological principles and mechanism of apneic oxygenation technology, summarizes the clinical application of the method, and the current research progress, which will provide reference for clinical use in a safer and more reasonable manner and give new thoughts to researchers in the future.