Can I use furminator during fur ball treatment?

I have a female Maine Coon cat, that I think is suffering from fur balls. Although I give her fur ball treatment and dried food that contain something to help eliminate them. In the past week she has been coughing quite severely and I am not sure if this is fur balls or something more sinister. Unfortunately she does not like being groomed so am now considering having her groomed under anesthetic as some of her coat is becoming extremely matted now. She is out all the time as opposed to being kept inside as she was whilst younger in rented accommodation. Can I use furminator during fur ball treatment? Would that be okay to use in such condition? Is it really effective? Can anyone give me furminator reviews? I would appreciate it.