Elliott Ward's penalty proved decisive as former Coventry boss Iain Dowie made a losing return to the Ricoh Arena.
Damien Delaney fouled Jay Tabb and Ward scored with the resulting spot-kick, despite QPR goalkeeper Radek Cerny getting a hand to the ball.
Keiren Westwood produced a fine save to deny QPR playmaker Emmanuel Ledesma.
And Dexter Blackstock missed a golden chance for Dowie's side in the second half, scooping the ball over from close range when it seemed easier to score.
Coventry manager Chris Coleman: "The second half felt like 90 minutes. We did exactly the opposite of
what we had spoken about at half-time.
"We tried to defend a one-goal lead, which was partly down to fatigue and
partly down to nerves.
"But for me it was just a case of getting the job done and we did that. It
doesn't mean any more or less because it was against an old friend in Iain Dowie. I am just
happy we have the three points."
QPR boss Iain Dowie: "It's not the return I
was hoping for. The result will tell you that but the performance will tell
you something else.
"I've watched Coventry a few times and I've not seen them outplayed like
they were in the second half.
"I'm very proud of the second-half display and but for the break of a ball and
a few bits of heroic defending by their back four, it could have been our day."
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