Objective To explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of apolipoprotein M (apoM) gene and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so as to provide evidence for screening early diagnosis and treatment of COPD in high-risk population. Methods The base-quenched probe technique was performed to determine and analyze the apoM gene SNP loci (rs805264, rs707922 and 707921) of 256 COPD patients (COPD group) and 248 healthy control participants (control group). Results The frequencies of apoM (rs805264, rs707922 and rs707921) genotypes of COPD patients and healthy control participants were found to be in genetic equilibrium according to the Hardy-Weinberg Law (all P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the frequency of rs805264 locus AA genotype was lower and the frequency of GG+GA combined genotype was higher in the COPD group, and the difference was significant (χ²=4.769, P=0.029). Compared with the control group, the frequency of rs707921 locus AA genotype was lower and the frequency of CC+CA was higher in the COPD group, and the difference was significant (χ²=4.769, P=0.029). However, there was no significant difference in the genetype frequency distribution of rs707922 locus between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the frequencies of alleles of apoM rs805264, rs707922 or rs707921 loci between the COPD and control groups (all P>0.05). The rs805264 and rs707921, and rs707922 and rs707921 showed strong linkage disequilibrium (both D'>0.8, both r²>0.8); and rs805264 and rs707922 showed complete linkage disequilibrium (D'=1.000, r²=0.820). Conclusion ApoM gene rs805264 and rs707921 loci may be associated with COPD susceptibility, while the rs707922 locus may not be associated with COPD.