Is he an inside kitty? I know we had "Kitty Grass" as a supplement to help keep the fur from clogging up their tummies, especially in the summertime, when shedding is much worse. Of course, they'll be throwing that up too, but it's much easier on the digestive system. Also, you can try the dry food made for fur balls - Science Diet has one.
Have you tried different brushes, like bristle & prongs only? Maybe the wide prongs would be more like a massage than a fur puller to Noah!