Breathing gas carries important physiological information. Technology for detection of breathing gas has become a research focus because of the advantages of nondestructive sampling and convenient operation. Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) plays an irreplaceable role because of the advantages of high sensitivity, fast response and good specificity. In this paper, the principle of PTR-MS is introduced first, followed by research progress of PTR-MS in the field of breathing gas detection. Factors influencing the test results are analyzed. Finally, future prospects of development for PTR-MS in the field of breathing gas detection are discussed.