Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of regular oxygen inhalation and appropriate exercise for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD and respiratory failure. Methods A total of 88 patients with COPD complicated with respiratory failure were divided into treatment group and control group, with 44 cases in each group. The control group was given symptomatic treatment, and the treatment group was given pulmonary rehabilitation training combined with exercise therapy on the basis of the control group. Results Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood of the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood of the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05). The forced expiratory volume in first second(FEV₁), forced vital capacity(FVC), and quality of life scores in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion Regular oxygen inhalation and appropriate exercise can effectively improve the pulmonary function and respiratory status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with respiratory failure, and enhance the quality of life.